Alkaline Water Electrolyser (AWE)

Alkaline Water Electrolyser (AWE) is a mature hydrogen production technology, characterised by its reliance on an alkaline electrolytic solution. The electrolyser consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) separated by a diaphragm containing the alkaline electrolytic solution, typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The liquid electrolyte allows exchange of ions between the anode and cathode, resulting in hydrogen production at the cathode. A schematic of the AWE technology is illustrated in Figure X. AWEs provide a cost-effective, durable, and simple solution for green hydrogen production, making them a staple in industrial applications. The biggest advantage of AWEs is their scalability, supporting both small- and large-scale hydrogen production.

The AWE market was value at £116m in 2024, with an estimated market size of £172m by 2032. Government policies and a global shift towards sustainable energy solutions have spurred rapid market growth for
green hydrogen production technologies. However, when compared to other electrolysers, the AWE market projections are significantly smaller. This is due to their inability to handle dynamic load fluctuations,
making them unsuitable for integration with renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. Additionally, AWEs exhibit a much lower efficiency than other electrolyser technologies, increasing operational
costs. The presence of the highly alkaline solution also poses a significant challenge, as this may cause corrosion and rapid degradation. Any leakage of the strong alkaline electrolyte will damage the metal
catalyst and will significantly increase replacement and operational costs. These challenges need to be addressed before AWEs can compete with other electrolyser technologies