21 October 2025

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has been selected for its development of the Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis system and the long-term field demonstration project (hereinafter referred to as "the Project") under  " R&D Item 3: Development of Technologies for the Practical Application of Fuel Cells and Water Electrolysis," of the " Project to Develop Common Platforms Supporting the Widespread Use of Hydrogen" by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

The Project aims to accelerate the research and development of water electrolysis system for hydrogen production in order to promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen and enhance Japan's industrial competitiveness. The AEM electrolysiscell stack that our company is focusing on is expected to be cost-effective because it provides flexible adjustment based on power demand, and does not require rare resources for its catalyst and membrane, along with its compact size.

Our company has initiated the research and development of the AEM electrolysis cell stack by applying the cell stack technology from redox flow batteries and has already completed a prototype of the AEM water electrolysis cell stack, which will be a component of the Project.

Aiming for a hydrogen generation system with higher performance and durability, we plan to develop power supply and control systems and to produce a water electrolysis system that integrates the AEM electrolysis cell stacks by the end of fiscal year 2025.
Moreover, in fiscal year 2026, we will conduct an evaluation test operation of the hydrogen generation system that is to be produced in fiscal year 2025, supported by the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI). We will implement a long-term field demonstration to evaluate the system’s performance and durability, which will lead to a megawatt-class large-scale field demonstration, further enhancing its practical implementation in society.

We remain committed to contributing to enhancing Japan’s industrial competitiveness and achieving a decarbonized society through the development of AEM-type water electrolyzers.

About the Project
1. Project Name
Project to Develop Common Platforms Supporting the Widespread Use of Hydrogen

2. Project Theme
Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolysis System and Long-term Field Demonstration Project

3. Duration
Fiscal Year 2025 to Fiscal Year 2026

For Your Reference:
-    NEDO Official Website
Announcement on the Decision of the Implementation Structure for the 2025 Research and Development Project for Strengthening Common Foundations for Expanding Hydrogen Utilization
https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/SE3_100001_00110.html

-    Sumitomo Electric Group Green Transformation (GX) Special Website
https://sei.co.jp/gx/ (Japanese version)