World's First 5MW AEM System Delivered: Horizon Transforming Green Hydrogen

The world's first 5MW Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolyser system was recently delivered to the Rockcheck Steel industrial park in Tianjin by Horizon Fuel Cell subsidiary HET Hydrogen. This marks a significant milestone in Horizon's mission to commercialise megawatt-scale AEM products globally, with the technology hailed as an important next-generation enabler for Green Hydrogen. 

With more than twenty years advancing hydrogen R&D and commercialisation, Horizon enjoys a global leadership position in hydrogen technology in both fuel cells and electrolysers. In late 2024, the 5MW AEM electrolyser system (HET-A1000) was unveiled by Horizon. The goal was to set a new benchmark in green hydrogen, delivering low power consumption, wide operating range, rapid dynamic response, and use of low-cost materials. In early 2025, the first deployment was secured with Tianjin Zhonghe Energy Management Co., Ltd (a subsidiary of Rockcheck Steel Group Co., Ltd.), officially launching the group’s "Low-Carbon Smelting Project Using Green Hydrogen."

The HET-A1000 equipment delivered to Rockcheck establishes the world's first integrated system combining Photovoltaics (PV), AEM Hydrogen Production, and Hydrogen-Enriched Blast Furnace Smelting. The industrial park is constructing a new 17MW Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system, supported by two 5MW AEM electrolyser systems (each producing 1,000Nm³/h). The green hydrogen produced will be used for hydrogen enrichment in Rockcheck Steel Group's blast furnaces, reducing coal consumption and carbon emissions, transforming the steel plant from a major carbon emitter into a decarbonisation showcase. 

Horizon is working with the client to finalise commissioning of the systems that will deliver high efficiency, flexibility and economic operations. The innovative modular systems provide a scalable pathway for hydrogen metallurgy and offer a compelling solution for deep decarbonisation in heavy industry, chemicals and transportation worldwide, with greater self-reliance protecting against supply chain disruptions. 

The hydrogen industry has long faced the challenge of validating attractive technology without a clear path to reach economies of scale. By deploying the large-scale 5MW AEM system as a “first of a kind”, Horizon has created a powerful proving ground for this cutting-edge technology, and the end result will be greater viability for green hydrogen projects. 

Horizon will continue focusing on enhancing the performance and optimising the cost of its AEM electrolyser systems, delivering high quality, cost-competitive green hydrogen solutions to customers worldwide. Horizon is redefining the economics and sustainability of green hydrogen production, working with partners to build a hydrogen energy ecosystem that is cost-competitive and self-sufficient.