The Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei receives subsidies from the Prefecture of Kanagawa and the City of Kawasaki for the expansion of its production facilities at the Kawasaki site. At the site in the Japanese Prefecture of Kanagawa, the company is setting up new production lines for cell frames and membranes. These components are used in both alkaline water electrolyzers and chlor-alkali electrolysis plants based on ion exchange membrane technology.
By 2028, Asahi Kasei aims to achieve a production capacity of at least 2 GW each for cell frames and membranes. Together with the existing capacity for chlor-alkali electrolysis plants, the annual total capacity is expected to rise to more than 3 GW.
The expansion is intended to help strengthen the global supply of climate-neutral hydrogen while further enhancing Japan's competitiveness in the hydrogen sector.
Timeline and government funding
As early as December 2024, Asahi Kasei's expansion plan was selected for government funding in Japan. According to the company, the aim of the funding is to strengthen industrial competitiveness and promote regional economic development, particularly in hydrogen-related markets. In October 2025, Asahi Kasei officially released the plans for the construction of the new production facilities.
The company is one of the established manufacturers of alkaline water electrolyzers for hydrogen production. The technology is based on decades of experience in chlor-alkali electrolysis, from which Asahi Kasei has developed its electrolyzer business.
Kawasaki to become a global center
Asahi Kasei intends to develop its production site in Kawasaki into a global center for both water electrolysis and chlor-alkali systems. To this end, the company is pooling its resources there and building a flexible and resilient production and supply structure. With the government support measures, the capacity is to be further expanded.
For the future, Asahi Kasei plans to further expand its technological expertise and supply capacities in the field of water electrolysis. The company aims to leverage the complementary strengths of its activities in the hydrogen and chlor-alkali electrolysis sectors to strengthen its international competitive position.
Founded in 1922, the Asahi Kasei Group employs around 50,000 people worldwide and operates in the three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material.
Asahi Kasei
