Top 10 Companies in the Membranes for Water Electrolysis Industry (2024): Key Players Driving the Green Hydrogen Revolution

In Business Insights
January 25, 2026


The Global Membranes for Water Electrolysis Market was valued at USD 683.2 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.72 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.1% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This substantial growth is propelled by the global push for green hydrogen as a cornerstone of decarbonization strategies, coupled with significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and supportive government policies worldwide.

As the world accelerates its transition to a sustainable energy future, the electrolyzer membrane—a critical component that separates gases and facilitates ion exchange—has emerged as a key technological enabler. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Membranes for Water Electrolysis Industry, featuring a mix of chemical giants, specialized material scientists, and green tech innovators who are shaping the future of hydrogen production.


🔟 1. Chemours Company

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Nafion™ PFSA Membranes and Dispersions

Chemours is a global leader in fluoroproducts and the primary manufacturer of Nafion™ perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes, which are the industry standard for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. Their membranes are renowned for their high proton conductivity, chemical stability, and durability under demanding operating conditions.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Significant capacity expansion plans to meet soaring demand for Nafion™ membranes.
  • Ongoing R&D to enhance membrane performance and reduce costs for large-scale hydrogen production.
  • Strategic partnerships with major electrolyzer OEMs to integrate next-generation membrane technologies.

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Membranes for Water Electrolysis Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. AGC Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Fluon+® ePTFE-based Ion Exchange Membranes

AGC (formerly Asahi Glass Co.) is a leading global materials company providing advanced fluoropolymer products. Its Fluon+® ePTFE membranes serve as reinforcing substrates for PEM electrolyzers, offering excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability, which are critical for high-pressure electrolysis systems.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Development of reinforced composite membranes for improved longevity and efficiency.
  • Investment in scaling up production capabilities specifically for the energy sector.
  • Collaborations with research institutions to pioneer new membrane chemistries.

8️⃣ 3. Asahi Kasei Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Aciplex™ Ion Exchange Membranes

Asahi Kasei is a diversified Japanese chemical company with a strong position in functional materials. Its Aciplex™ brand offers a range of ion exchange membranes suitable for various electrochemical applications, including water electrolysis, known for their high performance and reliability.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Focus on developing membranes with reduced gas crossover for enhanced safety and purity.
  • Expansion of its green innovation business segment to support hydrogen economy growth.
  • Supply agreements with leading Asian and European electrolyzer manufacturers.

7️⃣ 4. Solvay S.A.

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Aquivion® PFSA Membranes

Solvay is a major player in advanced materials, offering its Aquivion® perfluorosulfonic acid membranes as a high-performance alternative for PEM electrolyzers. These membranes are designed for superior conductivity at high temperatures and low humidity, contributing to higher system efficiency.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Targeting membrane innovations for next-generation, high-efficiency electrolyzers.
  • Active participation in EU-funded hydrogen flagship projects to demonstrate large-scale applications.
  • Sustainable material development aligned with circular economy principles.

Download FREE Sample Report: Global Membranes for Water Electrolysis Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Headquarters: Newark, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: GORE-SELECT® Membranes

Gore is a materials science company renowned for its expertise in expanded PTFE (ePTFE). Its GORE-SELECT® membranes are composite membranes that offer robust mechanical properties and excellent proton conductivity, making them a preferred choice for demanding PEM electrolyzer applications requiring high pressure and purity.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Continuous improvement of membrane durability to extend electrolyzer stack lifetime.
  • Collaboration with system integrators to optimize membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs).
  • Focus on enabling gigawatt-scale hydrogen production with reliable component performance.

5️⃣ 6. Fumatech BWT GmbH (BWT Group)

Headquarters: Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany
Key Offering: Fumapem® PEM Membranes, Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM)

Fumatech, part of the BWT Group, specializes in polymer electrolyte membranes for various energy conversion technologies. The company offers a diverse portfolio, including standard PEM and emerging Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM), catering to different electrolyzer technology pathways.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Pioneering work in AEM technology, which promises to reduce reliance on precious metals.
  • Custom membrane development for specialized electrolyzer designs and applications.
  • Strong presence in the European market, supported by local manufacturing.

4️⃣ 7. Dongyue Group Limited

Headquarters: Zibo, Shandong, China
Key Offering: DF988, DF2801 Ion Exchange Membranes

Dongyue Group is a leading Chinese manufacturer of fluorosilicone fine chemicals and a key supplier of ion exchange membranes in the Asia-Pacific region. The company is strategically positioned to support China’s ambitious national hydrogen strategy and the rapid growth of its domestic electrolyzer market.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Significant R&D investment to develop cost-competitive, high-performance membranes.
  • Scaling up production to secure the supply chain for Chinese electrolyzer OEMs.
  • Focus on reducing the total cost of ownership for green hydrogen production.

3️⃣ 8. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Sustanion® Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM)

Evonik is a global specialty chemicals company actively developing materials for sustainable technologies. Its Sustanion® membrane platform is targeted at the growing AEM electrolysis market, a technology that aims to combine the advantages of PEM and alkaline electrolysis.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Leading the development of durable AEMs to enable catalyst cost reduction (non-precious metals).
  • Participation in consortia aimed at commercializing AEM electrolyzer technology.
  • Leveraging its polymer chemistry expertise to create innovative ion-conducting materials.

2️⃣ 9. Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Headquarters: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Key Offering: Advanced MEAs and Membrane Expertise

While primarily known as a leading fuel cell company, Ballard Power Systems possesses deep expertise in PEM technology, which is directly applicable to water electrolysis. The company develops and utilizes advanced membranes within its Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs), a core component where the membrane is integral.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Extensive in-house testing and validation of membrane performance and longevity.
  • Technology development focused on high-power density and rapid response for electrolysis.
  • Exploring strategic opportunities to supply critical components to the electrolyzer market.

1️⃣ 10. Other Key Innovators and Emerging Players

Focus: Next-generation membrane technologies and niche applications
Key Offering: Experimental and early-commercial AEM, PEM, and alkaline membranes

This segment includes a dynamic ecosystem of startups, university spinoffs, and specialized research organizations. Companies like Ionomr Innovations (Canada) with its AEMION® membranes and several players in Europe and the US are pushing the boundaries with new hydrocarbon-based polymers, reinforced composites, and alkaline stable membranes, aiming to disrupt the market with lower-cost, high-performance solutions.

Innovation and Expansion Initiatives:

  • Focus on disruptive materials that eliminate or reduce the use of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS).
  • Targeting applications in lower-cost electrolyzer systems and emerging markets.
  • Securing venture capital and government grants to accelerate technology commercialization.

Get Full Report Here: Global Membranes for Water Electrolysis Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔬 Outlook: The Future of Electrolysis Membranes Is More Efficient and Cost-Effective

The membranes for water electrolysis market is at the heart of the hydrogen economy’s evolution. While PFSA membranes currently dominate the high-performance PEM segment, the industry is vigorously pursuing innovations to drive down costs, improve durability, and explore sustainable alternatives.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated R&D in Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) technology to reduce dependence on precious metal catalysts.
  • Push for gigawatt-scale manufacturing of electrolyzers, creating massive demand for reliable membrane supply chains.
  • Increasing regulatory scrutiny on PFAS chemicals, driving innovation in non-fluorinated membrane alternatives.
  • Integration of digital twins and AI for predictive maintenance and optimization of membrane performance in operation.

Get Full Report Here: Global Membranes for Water Electrolysis Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying components; they are providing the essential materials that enable the efficient production of green hydrogen, thereby powering the transition to a decarbonized global energy system.