Asahi Kasei received key regional economic incentives for its project to build new production facilities for alkaline water electrolysis and ion-exchange membrane chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment in Kawasaki, Japan. The incentives include financial support from Kanagawa Prefecture and the City of Kawasaki. The support marks an important milestone in Asahi Kasei’s strategic portfolio transformation and will help accelerate the company’s expansion in hydrogen and electrolysis technologies.
Facilities Target at Least 2 GW Capacity by 2028
Asahi Kasei is building new facilities for the production of cell frames and membranes for electrolysis at its Kawasaki plant in Kanagawa Prefecture. The company aims to establish a manufacturing capacity of at least 2 GW each for cell frames and membranes by 2028. In addition, the new capacity will complement Asahi Kasei’s existing production capabilities for ion-exchange membrane process chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment. As a result, the expansion is expected to increase the company’s total annual manufacturing capacity for cell frames and membranes to more than 3 GW.
Government Support Strengthens Hydrogen Manufacturing Plans
The Kawasaki expansion has already received significant institutional backing. In December 2024, Asahi Kasei’s expansion proposal was selected for government support, reflecting expectations for stronger industrial competitiveness and regional economic development, particularly in hydrogen-related markets. Subsequently, in October 2025, the company formally approved plans to construct the new production facilities and began advancing the project. Through the investment, Asahi Kasei aims to strengthen the global supply base for clean hydrogen technologies while also enhancing Japan’s competitiveness in the growing hydrogen economy.
Kawasaki to Become a Global Hub for Electrolysis Technologies
Asahi Kasei is positioning its Kawasaki manufacturing site as a key global production hub for both water electrolysis systems and chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment. By concentrating its manufacturing resources at the site, the company aims to create a more flexible and resilient supply platform capable of serving growing global demand. Moreover, the regional incentives will support further capacity expansion while contributing to industrial growth and economic development in the Kawasaki region.
Asahi Kasei Strengthens Global Hydrogen and Chlor-Alkali Business
Asahi Kasei plans to further strengthen its technology base and manufacturing capabilities in water electrolysis and hydrogen production. At the same time, the company intends to leverage the complementary strengths of its hydrogen and chlor-alkali businesses to enhance its global competitiveness. As per the press release, with the new Kawasaki facilities and continued government and regional support, Asahi Kasei is advancing its position in the expanding clean hydrogen, water electrolysis and industrial electrolysis equipment markets, while building a stronger and more resilient global manufacturing platform.
