World’s First 5MW AEM Electrolyser to Deliver Cheaper Green Hydrogen, to be Deployed by Horizon by End of 2025
November 14, 2025
Horizon is advancing the economics of green hydrogen production through its electrolyser subsidiary, HET Hydrogen, preparing to deploy the world’s first 5MW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser system. The inaugural units are being readied for use by a subsidiary of Rockcheck Steel Group Co. Ltd., a major industrial enterprise based in Tianjin, China.
Integrated Green Hydrogen System for Steel Decarbonisation
The collaboration forms part of an integrated photovoltaics–hydrogen–hydrogen-enriched smelting system. It utilises a 17MW building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installation together with two 5MW (1,000 Nm³/h) AEM hydrogen production units. The green hydrogen generated will be blended into the gas stream feeding Rockcheck Steel’s blast furnace operations, aiming to reduce coal consumption and cut carbon emissions.
The world’s first 5MW AEM electrolyser system is expected to begin operation around late 2025, representing an important milestone in sustainable hydrogen solutions for the steel industry—one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise.
Lower-Cost Hydrogen Through AEM Innovation
As hydrogen gains importance in the global energy transition, cost remains the primary barrier to large-scale adoption. Horizon’s modular AEM system offers a cost-effective and scalable solution, supporting green hydrogen production for applications such as green fertilisers, green chemicals, heavy industry, and zero-emission transport.
Key advantages of Horizon’s 5MW AEM system include:
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10–20% lower power consumption than traditional alkaline electrolysers
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A lower levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) than alkaline systems
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Potential for capital cost reductions that could challenge the cost structure of conventional alkaline equipment
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High tolerance to intermittent renewable power input
With large-scale deployment, AEM technology is expected to further narrow the cost gap, strengthening its position as a competitive pathway for clean hydrogen.
Toward US$2/kg Green Hydrogen
The success of this project will support the deployment of Horizon AEM systems in renewable energy projects globally, delivering efficient hydrogen production from solar, wind, and other renewable sources. Horizon anticipates that AEM electrolysers could enable green hydrogen production at costs as low as US$2/kg, offering competitive solutions for sectors such as:
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Green ammonia
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Green alcohols
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Hydrogen metallurgy
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Transportation
Next Step: Green Ammonia
Following the steel project, Horizon aims to validate AEM electrolysis at scale for green ammonia production, as interest grows in ammonia both as a hydrogen carrier and as a low-carbon fuel for power generation and global shipping.
Horizon is cooperating with third-party partners to design a flexible green ammonia production system suited for future industrial and energy applications.
Horizon Fuel Cell and HET Hydrogen reaffirm their commitment to pioneering technological innovation in green hydrogen production and utilisation, strengthening the long-term viability of the hydrogen economy.
