Gen-Hy reaches a milestone: successful tests in China open the door to exports in Asia for its AEM
Gen-Hy reaches a milestone: successful tests in China open the door to exports in Asia for its AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolyser technology, which does not use any rare materials
Gen-Hy, a French start-up offering innovative solutions for green hydrogen production, announces record test results in China for its Gen-AEM® membrane technology. These unprecedented performances, achieved with AEM electrolysers without any rare materials, confirm Gen-Hy’s technological lead and pave the way for export opportunities in the Asian market, particularly in China, the world’s largest market for electrolysers.
Internationally validated technology
At the request of a local partner, Gen-Hy’s Gen-AEM® membrane underwent rigorous testing at the specialized Shandong Hydrogen Carrier Technology Development Company laboratory in China, equivalent to French laboratories. The tests demonstrated unprecedented performance for AEM electrolysers without rare materials, thus validating the high-efficiency promise of Gen-Hy’s technology.
These tests highlight three key findings: when the electrolyser operates at a current density of 0.3 A/cm2 the voltage is 1.58 V, and thus, the efficiency can reach 93.7%. At 0.7 A/cm2 and 1.77 V, efficiency can reach 83.6%. Finally, at 1 A/cm2 and 1.89 V, efficiency can reach 78.3%. (1)
Furthermore, these independent tests confirmed that the Gen-AEM® membrane has the lowest hydrogen permeability (cross-over) values ever recorded under all operating conditions. This means that the Gen-AEM® membrane is exceptionally effective at separating gases, making the electrolyser safer to use. (2)
A strategic opportunity in Asia
While the construction of its factory in Allenjoie (Doubs) for the production of AEM membranes and electrolysers continues, Gen-Hy is already anticipating the future commercialization of its technology. These conclusive results in China have sparked interest among several local renewable energy companies (wind turbines, photovoltaic panels) in Gen-Hy’s AEM technology, which is perfectly suited to their needs.
Gen-Hy plans to actively target the Chinese market as soon as the plant is operational in the first quarter of 2026.
High-purity, low-cost green hydrogen
As a reminder, Gen-Hy is the only company in the world to produce all the components of its AEM electrolysers (including its AEM membranes with catalytic deposits without any rare materials) under one roof. This patented technology guarantees the production of very pure, low-cost green hydrogen through electrolysis, with efficiency targets of 85% in phase 1 and 90% in phase 2.
(1) : It is hereby noted that three key data points obtained through this test are as follows: when operating at a current density of 0.3A/cm2 the voltage is 1.58V, and thus, the efficiency can reach 93.7%. When operating at 0.7A/cm2 and 1.77V, the efficiency can reach 83.6%. When operating at 1A/cm2 and 1.89 V, the efficiency can reach 78.3% (Trial Report – 30 august 2025 – Shandong Hydrogen Carrier Technology Development Company)
(2): Hydrogen permeation (crossover): refers to the undesirable process whereby oxygen gas escapes (permeates) through the membrane, passing from the anode side to the cathode side (where hydrogen is produced) in an electrolyser. High crossover => safety risk: if an excessive amount of oxygen mixes with hydrogen, this can create an explosive gas mixture. Low crossover => high safety.
Source: Hydrogencentral
