A European Project for Clean and Sustainable Energy
Hydrogen is today one of the most promising pillars of the transition to green energy. Versatile, clean, and fully recyclable, it can play a decisive role in reducing CO₂ emissions across industrial sectors that are difficult to electrify — such as steelmaking, chemicals, and heavy transport.
But producing hydrogen is not enough: our goal is to produce it responsibly, with respect for the environment, and through efficient, sustainable, and cost-competitive solutions in terms of both CAPEX and OPEX.
This is precisely the focus of AEMELIA, a European project dedicated to developing a new generation of electrolyzers capable of producing hydrogen more efficiently, economically, and durably.
What Is AEMELIA
AEMELIA (Anion Exchange Membrane water ElectroLYsis for highly effIcienT, sustAinable and clean hydrogen production) is a three-year project funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership with a total budget of €2.76 million.
Its goal is ambitious: to exceed the performance targets set by Hydrogen Europe for 2030, by developing an AEM (Anion Exchange Membrane) electrolyzer that combines high efficiency, low cost, long lifetime, and operational safety.
How AEM Electrolysis Works (In Simple Terms)
Electrolysis is the process of splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using an electrical current.
In AEM technology, the core of the system is a membrane that allows hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to pass through, separating the two gases.
Compared to other technologies (such as PEM or alkaline), AEM electrolyzers offer an ideal balance:
- they can use low-cost catalysts, such as nickel, iron, or cobalt, instead of rare precious metals;
- they ensure high efficiency and stable operation under pressure, simplifying hydrogen storage and transport;
- they reduce the risk of leaks or corrosion, thanks to a more stable alkaline environment.
The main challenge is to make these systems more durable and reliable over time, improving membranes, electrodes, and conductive materials.
AEMELIA’s Objectives
The AEMELIA project aims to bring AEM technology to a higher level of industrial maturity, achieving key milestones such as:
- High current density
- Low operating voltage
- Energy efficiency above 85%
- Extended durability
- Reduced production cost
All these parameters will be validated through a stack prototype, capable of producing 99.9% pure hydrogen at up to 15 bar of pressure.
Project Partners
The AEMELIA consortium brings together leading European research centers, universities, and industrial players:
- CEA (France) – Project Coordinator
- CNR-ITAE (Italy)
- Claind (Italy)
Together, these partners cover the entire value chain — from material research to industrial design and environmental sustainability (LCA and circular economy).
Research and Innovation Activities
Throughout the project, the partners will develop and test:
- Innovative membranes and ionomers, fluorine-free and highly durable;
- Non-PGM electrodes and catalysts, based on abundant and recyclable materials;
- Optimized cell and stack designs, using CFD simulations to improve gas and water flow;
- Experimental tests on temperature, pulsed current, and the use of non-purified water, to reduce overall costs and enhance sustainability.
AEMELIA: Building a Competitive and Sustainable Hydrogen Ecosystem
With AEMELIA, Europe is investing in an autonomous and competitive hydrogen value chain, capable of:
- Reducing CO₂ emissions by replacing fossil-based production processes;
- Creating new expertise and qualified jobs in the energy technology sector;
- Promoting Europe’s technological independence;
- Strengthening the resilience of the energy system through integrated and digital solutions.
Claind: Innovating for a Zero-Emission Future
For Claind, participating in AEMELIA means taking an active role in the transition toward a cleaner and more efficient energy economy, leveraging its solid industrial know-how and forward-looking digital innovation.
Through this project, Claind consolidates its leadership in hydrogen generation systems and accelerates the development of scalable, safe, and sustainable solutions for laboratories, industries, and future energy infrastructures.
Claind – Innovation taking shape today, to build together a zero-emission future.
