Asahi Kasei has secured key economic incentives from Kanagawa Prefecture and the City of Kawasaki for a major expansion of electrolysis manufacturing facilities in Kawasaki, Japan.

 

This marks a significant step in the company’s push to transform its strategic portfolio and strengthen its position in clean hydrogen and chlor-alkali technologies.

 

The project will establish new facilities at Asahi Kasei’s Kawasaki plant for manufacturing cell frames and membranes used in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production, as well as equipment for the ion-exchange membrane process chlor-alkali industry.

 

The company is targeting manufacturing capacity of at least 2 GW each for cell frames and membranes by 2028. Combined with its existing capacity for ion-exchange membrane process chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment, the expansion is expected to lift Asahi Kasei’s total annual capacity for cell frames and membranes to more than 3 GW.

 

The investment comes as governments and industry accelerate efforts to build domestic and global supply chains for clean hydrogen. Asahi Kasei’s expansion proposal was selected for governmental support in December 2024, reflecting expectations that the project will boost industrial competitiveness and regional economic development, particularly in hydrogen-related markets.

 

In October 2025, Asahi Kasei formally approved construction of the new production facilities. Preparatory work has since moved forward, with the Kawasaki site being positioned as a global manufacturing hub for both water electrolysis and chlor-alkali systems.

 

By concentrating resources at the Kawasaki site, Asahi Kasei aims to create a more flexible and resilient supply platform while expanding production capacity and supporting the regional economy.

 

The company said it will continue strengthening its technology and supply capabilities in water electrolysis, while leveraging the complementary strengths of its hydrogen and chlor-alkali businesses to reinforce its competitiveness in global markets.

 

The expansion is also expected to strengthen the supply base for clean hydrogen and contribute to Japan’s industrial competitiveness in the rapidly developing hydrogen economy.