A Survey of Hydrogen Electrolyzer Technologies for Canada’s Clean Energy Transition

The growing necessity to decarbonize the global energy system has positioned green hydrogen as a central enabler of a secure and sustainable future. Among various production paths, water electrolysis has emerged as the most developed route for generating high purity hydrogen from renewable power. The paper includes a broad and comparative overview of four leading electrolyzer technologies: Alkaline Water Electrolyzers (AWE), Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers (PEM), Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC), and new Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers (AEM). Key technical parameters, operating principles, system level properties, and innovation trends are discussed, with a particular emphasis on their deployment and application in different regions of Canada. The study also highlights Canada’s growing role in the global hydrogen economy, supported by vast renewable resources, a favorable policy environment, and a dense network of research facilities and technology hubs. By combining comparative insights and tying them to national energy strategy, this survey establishes the agenda for driving adoption and innovation in electrolyzers in Canada’s clean energy shift.