PEM Electrolysers in India: Opportunities for Green Hydrogen Growth

As India transitions toward clean energy, PEM electrolysers (Proton Exchange Membrane electrolysers) have become a cornerstone technology in green hydrogen production. They are key in fulfilling India’s enterprising green hydrogen objectives, delivering superior efficiency, scalability, and trustworthiness.

This article probes the possibilities for evolution in PEM electrolyser technology in India and its position in the country’s green hydrogen revolution.

India is rapidly scaling up its Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser capabilities to meet ambitious green hydrogen targets. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government has awarded contracts for 3,000 MW of annual electrolyser manufacturing capacity, supported by viability gap funding to boost domestic production. This initiative aims to produce at least 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030, with an associated addition of about 125 GW in renewable energy capacity. Additionally, India is fostering a business-friendly ecosystem with measures like simplified procedures, favourable taxation, and Special Economic Zone support to accelerate the green hydrogen economy.

A PEM electrolyser (Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyser) is an advanced technology that produces hydrogen by splitting water molecules using electricity. Unlike traditional methods, PEM electrolysers utilize a solid polymer electrolyte, allowing for a compact design and rapid response times. This makes them particularly suitable for integration with renewable energy sources like solar and wind, where power supply can be intermittent.

One of the standout features of PEM electrolysers is their ability to operate at high current densities, resulting in efficient hydrogen production even under fluctuating power inputs. This efficiency is crucial for industries aiming to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, PEM electrolysers produce high-purity hydrogen, which is essential for applications in fuel cells and various industrial processes.

In the context of India’s energy landscape, PEM electrolysers are gaining traction as a pivotal component in the country’s green hydrogen initiatives. With the National Green Hydrogen Mission targeting the production of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, PEM technology offers a scalable and efficient solution to meet this ambitious goal. The integration of PEM electrolysers can aid in decarbonizing sectors like steel, cement, and transportation, aligning with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

However, the widespread adoption of PEM electrolysers faces challenges, including high initial investment costs and the need for specialized materials like platinum for catalysts. To overcome these hurdles, policy support, research into alternative materials, and the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities are essential. Addressing these challenges will not only make PEM technology more accessible but also position India as a leader in the global green hydrogen market.

Companies like Yonder are at the forefront of this transition, offering advanced power conversion solutions that enhance the performance and integration of PEM electrolysers with renewable energy systems. By focusing on efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, such innovations are instrumental in driving India’s green hydrogen economy forward.

Understanding PEM Electrolyser

A PEM electrolyser separates water into hydrogen and oxygen by utilizing electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. It uses a solid polymer membrane as the electrolyte. It presents several benefits, such as consolidated design, speedy start-up, and high hydrogen purity.

PEM electrolysers are the favored option for green hydrogen generation compared to other technologies like Alkaline and SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell). They are perfect for inconsistent renewable energy sources.

Why PEM Electrolysers are Critical for India

Decarbonizing Key Industries

India’s energy-intensive sectors, such as steel, cement, and fertilizers, contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Green hydrogen created through PEM electrolyser can substitute fossil fuels. This substitution allows these industries to decarbonize and fulfill international sustainability benchmarks.

Backing Renewable Energy Integration

With India’s extensive solar and wind possibilities, PEM electrolyser seamlessly transform extra renewable energy into green hydrogen. This conversion balances grid loads and ensures efficient energy utilization.

Enabling Energy Security

By leveraging PEM electrolyser technology, India can decrease its dependence on imported fossil fuels, boost its energy independence and improve its financial stability.

The Possibilities for PEM Electrolysers in India

Government Initiatives and Policies

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission targets producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Incentives for renewable energy schemes and hydrogen infrastructure grants offer a golden chance for PEM electrolyser adoption.

Industrial Need for Green Hydrogen

The need for green hydrogen is soaring, and industries are under stress to decarbonize. PEM electrolysers deliver a scalable and efficient solution for industrial hydrogen needs, pushing adoption across sectors.

Global Export Potential

As a cost-competitive green hydrogen producer, India can export to international demand. PEM electrolysers boost the production of high-purity hydrogen, fulfilling global quality benchmarks and extending India’s export capacities.

Technological Advantages of PEM Electrolyser

High Efficiency: Produces hydrogen with minimal energy losses, maximizing output.
Compact Design: Requires less space, ideal for decentralized hydrogen production.
Fast Response Time: Adapts quickly to fluctuating renewable energy inputs.
High Purity Hydrogen: Essential for industrial and mobility applications.
Scalability: Easily scaled to meet diverse energy demands.

Challenges to Address

High Initial Costs: PEM electrolyser involve significant upfront investment, requiring policy support and funding to offset costs.
Limited Manufacturing Infrastructure: India needs to scale domestic manufacturing capabilities for PEM electrolyser components.
Skill Development: Training and upskilling are critical to support the widespread adoption of this advanced technology.

Yonder: Driving Green Hydrogen Growth with PEM Electrolyser

As part of the Ador Group, Yonder provides advanced solutions for green hydrogen production. Its expertise in power conversion units ensures seamless integration of PEM electrolysers with renewable energy sources, maximizing efficiency and reliability.

Green hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a key enabler of a carbon-neutral future. By using renewable energy such as solar and wind to power water electrolysis, green hydrogen offers a clean, sustainable fuel alternative that emits no greenhouse gases. At the heart of this transformation lies Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser technology, which offers high efficiency, compact design, and flexible operation — ideal for fluctuating renewable energy inputs.

Yonder plays a pivotal role in this energy transition by developing robust power conversion systems tailored for PEM electrolysis applications. These systems act as the bridge between renewable power sources and hydrogen generation units, converting variable AC power into stable DC power required for electrolysis. With years of experience in industrial-grade power electronics, Yonder ensures that its solutions provide minimal losses, enhanced power quality, and smart grid compatibility.

One of Yonder’s core strengths lies in its ability to optimize the performance of PEM electrolysers under real-world renewable energy conditions. Solar and wind energy are inherently intermittent, which can lead to unstable power supply if not properly managed. Yonder’s advanced power conversion units are equipped with intelligent control features that allow dynamic response, voltage regulation, and load balancing. This not only improves the overall system efficiency but also prolongs the life of the electrolyser and reduces maintenance costs.

In addition to hardware innovation, Yonder emphasizes system integration and end-to-end support. The company works closely with renewable energy developers, engineering firms, and government bodies to design, deploy, and maintain hydrogen production systems that are scalable and future-ready. Whether it’s a small-scale demonstration plant or a large industrial hydrogen hub, Yonder’s solutions are designed to meet diverse project requirements.

Another important aspect of Yonder’s approach is its focus on modularity and digital control. Its power conversion units are built on a modular architecture, allowing for easy expansion and redundancy. Furthermore, with advanced monitoring and IoT-based diagnostics, operators can track system performance in real time, predict failures, and optimize operational parameters remotely.

Yonder’s association with the Ador Group brings added advantages, including access to world-class engineering, R&D capabilities, and a strong legacy of delivering high-performance industrial solutions. This backing enables Yonder to invest in continuous innovation and meet the growing demand for green hydrogen infrastructure across sectors such as transportation, heavy industry, ammonia production, and energy storage.

In line with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and global decarbonization goals, Yonder is committed to accelerating the adoption of green hydrogen through technology, partnerships, and knowledge leadership. The company is also actively engaged in pilot projects and collaborative ventures that demonstrate the viability of green hydrogen across varied geographies and use cases.

As governments, industries, and consumers look for sustainable energy alternatives, companies like Yonder are shaping the future by turning clean energy into tangible action. With its cutting-edge power conversion technology and commitment to excellence, Yonder is not just supporting the green hydrogen economy—it is helping drive it forward.

What Yonder Offers:

Innovative Power Solutions: Cutting-edge power conversion units optimized for PEM electrolyser, minimizing energy failures and improving performance.
In-House Expertise: Cutting-edge manufacturing and design abilities assure excellent quality and adaptability.
Sustainability Commitment: Yonder’s solutions prioritize minimal power consumption and high efficiency, aligning with India’s green hydrogen objectives.

Prospective Possibilities of PEM Electrolyser in India

With supporting guidelines, rising industrial needs, and technological advancements, PEM electrolysers are poised to transform India’s green hydrogen economy. Their capability to leverage renewable energy, decarbonize industries, and produce export-grade hydrogen positions them as a cornerstone of sustainable expansion.

By uniting with technology leaders like Yonder, India can unlock the possibility of PEM electrolysers and position it as a global leader in green hydrogen production.

In Essence

The expedition to a greener, more sustainable India hinges on inventive technologies like proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser. As the nation seeks to fulfill its green hydrogen objectives, adopting PEM electrolysers delivers unprecedented possibilities to decarbonize industries, extend energy security, and sustain renewable energy integration. By leveraging renewable sources for hydrogen production, PEM technology plays a pivotal role in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions.

Proton exchange membrane electrolysers are designed to operate efficiently with intermittent power inputs, making them ideal for pairing with renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Their compact design, fast response times, and superior hydrogen purity make them a preferred choice for applications ranging from industrial processes to sustainable transportation systems. These attributes not only contribute to achieving carbon neutrality but also promote the expansion of green hydrogen infrastructure on a global scale.

Investing in advanced PEM water electrolysis technologies also drives innovation in energy storage solutions, enabling better management of fluctuating power from renewable sources. The flexibility and scalability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) systems enhance grid stability while paving the way for broader renewable energy adoption.

By integrating these technologies, India can accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy, fostering sustainable growth and energy independence for future generations. Additionally, advancements in splitting water using electrical energy through fuel cells and efficient electrolysis systems—particularly on the anode side—can further optimize hydrogen production, making clean energy solutions more viable and accessible.

With Yonder’s cutting-edge solutions and devotion to invention, the future of green hydrogen in India looks more promising than ever.

Ready to explore the opportunities of green hydrogen? Let Yonder help you lead the charge toward sustainability.