Articles tagged with "fuel-cells"
When Europe’s Economic Institutions Step Away From Hydrogen - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a significant shift in the stance of Europe’s leading economic institutions—Germany’s Council of Economic Experts and France’s Conseil d’analyse économique—regarding the role of hydrogen in the transport sector. Their joint analysis, focusing on heavy road transport, concluded that battery electric trucks are more efficient, cost-effective, and quicker to deploy than hydrogen fuel cell trucks. This is due to the higher energy conversion efficiency of battery electric vehicles (about 75%) compared to hydrogen trucks (around 25% after accounting for electrolysis, compression, distribution, and reconversion losses). The councils recommended prioritizing public investments in electricity grids and charging infrastructure, while reserving hydrogen for sectors where electrification is not viable. They also suggested removing plans and budgets for hydrogen refueling stations and synthetic fuels from national and EU targets. Supporting this perspective, the European Court of Auditors found that hydrogen’s cost per ton of CO₂ avoided in transport is substantially higher—often exceeding €400 and sometimes nearing €600—
energyhydrogenbattery-electric-trucksfuel-cellsclean-energytransportationinfrastructureHyAxiom's David Alonso on fuel cells and time to power for AI data centers
HyAxiom, a Connecticut-based fuel cell manufacturer and part of the Doosan group, is addressing the growing power challenges faced by rapidly scaling AI data centers. As AI facilities expand from tens of megawatts to potentially gigawatt-scale operations, traditional electric grids and local utilities struggle to deliver sufficient capacity quickly. HyAxiom’s stationary fuel cells offer a solution by enabling on-site power generation that can be deployed rapidly—within about 12 months—bypassing grid delays. Their fuel cells also produce significantly lower emissions compared to conventional combustion-based power sources, addressing environmental concerns as data centers grow more power-dense. A key product in HyAxiom’s portfolio is the PureCell® Model 400, a modular, containerized fuel cell system that integrates fuel handling, electricity generation, and power conversion. Each unit delivers 460 kilowatts and can be scaled incrementally to meet specific data center demands, from small to very large capacities. This modularity and rapid deployment capability make fuel
energyfuel-cellsAI-data-centersgreen-hydrogenpower-infrastructuremodular-power-systemsemissions-reduction777,000 patents studied to reveal bottleneck in hydrogen tech growth
Researchers at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, conducted an extensive analysis of 777,000 patents and 1.3 million citations over 182 years to identify key bottlenecks in hydrogen technology development. Their study revealed that while hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technologies have advanced steadily, the distribution infrastructure—comprising pipelines, terminals, and liquefaction plants—is progressing at only half that pace. This lag in distribution infrastructure development poses a critical bottleneck, threatening to undermine billions of dollars in clean energy investments and limiting the broader adoption and climate benefits of hydrogen technologies. The research highlights that distribution costs are becoming the dominant expense in hydrogen systems, driven by the need for massive capital investments in pipeline networks and liquefaction facilities, compounded by complex safety regulations and permitting processes. Additionally, the concentration of distribution infrastructure among a few major companies restricts knowledge sharing and innovation, further slowing sector growth. Experts emphasize that without robust distribution networks, hydrogen use will remain localized to production sites
energyhydrogen-technologyclean-energyenergy-infrastructurehydrogen-distributionfuel-cellsenergy-policyHow Early Climate Leadership Locked Germany Into The Wrong Hydrogen Bet - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica examines how Germany’s early climate leadership led it to heavily invest in hydrogen as a key element of its decarbonization strategy—a decision rooted in the context of the 1990s and early 2000s when climate risks were recognized but clean technology options were limited. At that time, wind and solar power were costly and less developed, batteries were expensive and low in energy density, and grid-scale storage was minimal. Hydrogen, by contrast, was already widely produced and used industrially, with existing infrastructure and safety protocols. It promised multiple benefits: seasonal storage, energy transport via pipelines, and use in long-range vehicles, making it a seemingly cautious and rational choice for a low-carbon future. This early adoption turned hydrogen from a technology option into a strategic pillar, embedding it deeply into Germany’s policies, industry coalitions, vocational training, and regulatory frameworks. However, as the 2000s progressed, the economic and efficiency realities of green hydrogen became clearer.
energyhydrogenrenewable-energyenergy-storagedecarbonizationfuel-cellselectrolyzersHydrogen for Transportation Didn’t Fail Just Once in 2025. It Failed Everywhere. - CleanTechnica
In 2025, hydrogen as a transportation fuel experienced widespread and coordinated setbacks across multiple sectors worldwide, marking a significant shift from future potential to practical retreat. This decline was evident in light-duty vehicles, heavy trucks, buses, trains, mining equipment, refueling infrastructure, and even aviation. Rather than isolated pilot failures, these withdrawals reflected operational realities overriding ideological support. For light-duty vehicles, demand for hydrogen collapsed, exemplified by the French hydrogen taxi company Hype abandoning hydrogen in favor of battery electric vehicles and global fuel cell car sales plummeting outside South Korea, where subsidies artificially sustained the market. Hydrogen refueling stations closed across major regions, and automakers quietly ceased marketing fuel cell cars, with a notable absence of new fleet commitments signaling the sector’s decline. Heavy trucks, once considered hydrogen’s strongest application due to long distances and heavy payloads, also saw a reversal. Fuel cell truck sales declined globally while battery electric trucks surged, particularly in China, where fleets widely adopted electric models for
energyhydrogen-fueltransportationfuel-cellselectric-vehiclesheavy-trucksclean-energyWhy Hydrogen Transit Often Emits More Than Diesel Once You Count Everything - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a critical issue with hydrogen transit systems: while hydrogen fuel cell buses emit only water vapor at the tailpipe and are often labeled as zero-emission vehicles, their full lifecycle emissions—including hydrogen production, processing, transport, storage, refueling, and leakage—can be comparable to or even exceed those of diesel buses. This discrepancy arises because hydrogen is not a naturally occurring fuel and requires energy-intensive manufacturing, often from carbon-intensive electricity grids. The common practice of focusing solely on tailpipe emissions has led to a misleading perception of hydrogen transit as a climate-friendly solution, influencing policy, funding, and public messaging without accounting for upstream emissions. The article further explains that the carbon intensity of the electricity used for electrolysis is a major factor in hydrogen’s overall emissions. On grids dominated by fossil fuels, hydrogen production can result in well-to-wheel emissions several times higher than diesel. For example, electrolysis powered by electricity with 400 to 700 g CO2e per k
energyhydrogen-fueltransit-emissionsclean-energyfuel-cellselectrolysiscarbon-footprintFrom HyHaul To China: Why Hydrogen Transport Keeps Losing - CleanTechnica
The article examines the repeated failures of hydrogen transport initiatives, using the UK’s HyHaul project as a recent example. HyHaul was promoted as the UK’s first significant hydrogen freight corridor, supported by government funding and industrial partners, with plans for hydrogen refueling stations and fuel cell trucks. However, it never secured binding commercial commitments from fleet operators, failed to finalize investments in infrastructure, and did not deliver vehicles at scale. By late 2025, the project quietly ended without dramatic collapse, reflecting a common pattern among hydrogen transport efforts that fail not due to technological issues but because they are not competitive, financeable, or scalable. The author tracks 171 hydrogen transport firms and projects, noting a 36% attrition rate due to companies exiting the sector, ceasing operations, or abandoning strategies. Many firms, including notable ones like Plug Power and Fuel Cell Energy, face severe financial distress. Failures often occur quietly, with parent companies shelving hydrogen programs without formal shutdowns to manage reput
energyhydrogen-fuelhydrogen-transportfuel-cellsclean-energydecarbonizationsustainable-transportationNew MIT model could help proton motion in materials at room temperature
MIT researchers have developed a new physical model that enhances the prediction of proton mobility in metal oxides, a breakthrough that could advance the development of proton-based charge carriers for renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. Unlike lithium ions, which are currently prevalent in energy storage but costly and pose safety and environmental concerns, protons are simpler and potentially safer charge carriers. However, proton conduction in metal oxides has so far only been effective at high temperatures (above 400 °C), limiting practical applications. The MIT team's model addresses this challenge by focusing on proton movement mechanisms within metal oxides, where protons hop between oxygen ions by forming and breaking covalent and hydrogen bonds. The researchers identified two key factors influencing proton conduction: hydrogen bond length and the flexibility of the oxygen ion sublattice, quantified as "O…O fluctuation," which measures changes in oxygen ion spacing due to lattice vibrations. Using a dataset of seven features affecting proton mobility, they trained an AI model to predict material
materials-scienceproton-conductionenergy-storagefuel-cellsrenewable-energymetal-oxidesartificial-intelligenceAlstom’s Hydrogen Retreat Marks A Turning Point For European Rail - CleanTechnica
Alstom, a key player in European rail innovation, has announced a pause in further development of hydrogen trains, marking a significant turning point for the technology’s future in rail decarbonization. While the company will complete existing hydrogen train orders, it has halted R&D after France withdrew national co-funding linked to an EU Important Project of Common European Interest. Alstom is reallocating hydrogen engineering staff to other projects and acknowledges that hydrogen train technology is not mature and unlikely to reach full viability given the time and investment already spent. This decision reflects a broader reassessment of hydrogen rail’s real-world performance, market demand, and economic feasibility. Hydrogen trains were initially promoted as a promising solution to decarbonize non-electrified regional rail routes without the high costs of installing overhead electric lines. The concept hinged on producing hydrogen from surplus renewable energy and using it as a clean, flexible diesel replacement with minimal infrastructure changes. Early prototypes like Alstom’s Coradia iLint generated optimism
energyhydrogen-trainsdecarbonizationrenewable-energyrail-innovationclean-transportationfuel-cellsAmmonia could power ships, industries with 70% more efficient tech
Amogy, a company founded by four MIT alumni, has developed a novel catalyst that can split ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen with up to 70% greater efficiency than current technologies. Unlike traditional ammonia combustion, Amogy’s system converts ammonia directly to power without burning it, thereby avoiding harmful nitrous oxide emissions. This technology is scalable and designed to power large-scale applications such as ships, trucks, maritime shipping, power generation, construction, and mining, leveraging ammonia’s higher power density compared to renewables and batteries. The company has secured a manufacturing contract with Samsung Heavy Industries and plans to deploy a 1-megawatt ammonia-to-power pilot project in Pohang, South Korea, in 2026, with ambitions to scale up to 40 megawatts by 2028 or 2029. Amogy’s innovation centers on new catalyst materials that operate efficiently at lower temperatures, enabling smaller, more cost-effective systems that do not require combustion or produce CO2. The technology has been demonstrated
energyammonia-fuelcatalyst-technologyhydrogen-productionfuel-cellsmaritime-shippingpower-generationPeat turned into low-cost catalyst, could replace platinum in fuel cells
Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, PTB, and Estonian universities have demonstrated that well-decomposed peat can serve as a sustainable, low-cost precursor for iron–nitrogen–carbon (Fe-N-C) catalysts, potentially replacing expensive platinum in fuel cells. Platinum currently dominates as the catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells, but its high cost limits widespread adoption. Fe-N-C catalysts derived from peat offer a cheaper alternative, with complex porous structures that facilitate efficient transport of hydrogen, oxygen, and water, enhancing fuel cell performance. Using advanced small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques at the BESSY II synchrotron, the team analyzed the microstructure of peat-derived catalysts synthesized at varying temperatures and with different pore-modifying agents. They identified 13 structural factors influencing catalytic efficiency, notably that a pore curvature of at least three nanometers improves oxygen reduction and reduces unwanted hydrogen peroxide formation. This detailed structural insight,
energyfuel-cellscatalystsplatinum-replacementiron-nitrogen-carbonsustainable-materialsanion-exchange-membrane-fuel-cellsNorway's Ferry Operator Norled Could Have Saved Money & Staff by Skipping Hydrogen - CleanTechnica
Norled, a major Norwegian ferry operator, has incurred losses of approximately €85 million over two years, largely due to its investment in hydrogen-powered ferries rather than battery-electric alternatives. The company’s MF Hydra, launched in March 2023 as the world’s first liquid hydrogen ferry, operates a short route typical of Norway’s ferry network. While Norway has successfully electrified many routes using battery ferries powered by clean hydroelectricity, Norled chose a costly and complex hydrogen system involving cryogenic storage, fuel cells, and long-distance liquid hydrogen supply from Germany. The MF Hydra’s construction cost was about €29 million, significantly higher than comparable battery-electric (€20 million) or diesel (€14 million) ferries, and its fuel and infrastructure expenses are substantially greater. Economically and environmentally, the hydrogen ferry underperforms. It consumes around 4 tons of liquid hydrogen biweekly at a delivered cost of €13–14/kg, resulting in an annual fuel cost of about €1.
energyhydrogen-fuelbattery-electric-ferryzero-emission-shippingliquid-hydrogenfuel-cellsrenewable-energyRecord hydrogen fuel recipe cooked by US scientists to power trucks
US scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a novel hydrogen fuel cell catalyst that significantly enhances performance and durability, potentially enabling practical use in heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses. The catalyst features a nitrogen-doped high-entropy intermetallic core composed of platinum (Pt), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu), encapsulated by a single-atom-thick platinum shell. This atomic-scale engineering introduces sub-angstrom distortions in the catalyst’s structure, strengthening metal-nitrogen bonds and improving both reactivity and resilience under harsh operating conditions. Tested under rigorous simulations mimicking heavy-duty truck use, the new catalyst endured over 90,000 operating cycles—equivalent to 25,000 hours of continuous operation—while surpassing current Department of Energy (DOE) performance targets. This breakthrough addresses a key challenge in fuel cell technology: creating catalysts durable and efficient enough for demanding commercial transport applications. The research demonstrates a practical pathway toward widespread adoption
hydrogen-fuelfuel-cellscatalystsenergy-storageheavy-duty-vehiclesplatinum-catalystBrookhaven-National-LaboratoryCoral-inspired New 3D printed fuel cell could power lighter jets
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a novel, lightweight fuel cell called the Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell (The Monolith), inspired by coral structures and manufactured using 3D printing. This fully ceramic fuel cell eliminates heavy metal components that typically constitute over 75% of conventional fuel cells' weight, resulting in a device that produces over one watt per gram—an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio suitable for aerospace applications. Its gyroid-based architecture maximizes surface area, enhances gas flow, improves heat distribution, and increases mechanical stability. The manufacturing process is simplified to just five steps, avoiding fragile seals and multiple materials, which enhances durability and longevity. The Monolith fuel cell demonstrates remarkable resilience, withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations of 100°C and repeated switching between power-generating and power-storing modes without structural failure. It also produces hydrogen at nearly ten times the rate of standard models during electrolysis. These features make it a promising technology for aerospace and space missions, where
energyfuel-cells3D-printinghydrogen-productionaerospace-technologyceramic-materialsrenewable-energyMini tank-like hydrogen robot runs 20 hours on single charge
The article introduces Hermione, a hydrogen-powered unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed jointly by Polish firm P.H.U. Lechmar and French company H2X-Defense, unveiled at the 2025 International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce. Hermione is designed as a modular, versatile platform capable of carrying payloads up to two tons and performing various battlefield roles, including drone transport, logistics support, reconnaissance, and combat when equipped with remote weapon stations or advanced sensors. The demonstrator model shown carried a 300-kilogram payload, measured approximately 11 feet long, and weighed around 700 kilograms. It features all-wheel drive, a top speed of 24 mph, and is built to operate in tough environments. At the core of Hermione is a hydrogen propulsion system powered by fuel cells housed in TPED-certified cylinders, driving eight 8 kW hub-mounted electric motors, supplemented by a 25 kWh battery pack. This combination enables the UGV to
robothydrogen-powerunmanned-ground-vehicleenergy-storagefuel-cellsclean-energybattlefield-technologyFuel cell breakthrough for EV, aviation surpasses one-megawatt power
Researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have achieved a significant milestone by operating core components of a next-generation fuel cell system at over one megawatt of power each. This breakthrough is part of the BALIS project, which aims to develop powerful, climate-friendly propulsion systems for aircraft, ships, and heavy-duty vehicles. The DLR team is also constructing a unique test facility capable of developing and evaluating fuel cell electric propulsion systems with outputs up to 1.5 megawatts. This facility, located at the E2U Empfingen Development Centre for Environmental Technology, is notable for its scale and flexibility, allowing comprehensive testing from individual components to entire powertrains. The BALIS project’s fuel cell technology, when powered by green hydrogen produced from renewable energy, offers a promising path toward carbon-dioxide-free mobility. This advancement could revolutionize power-intensive transportation sectors by reducing fossil fuel dependence and enabling zero-emission travel. The DLR setup integrates twelve fuel cell modules, each with
energyfuel-cellselectric-propulsiongreen-hydrogenzero-emissiontransportation-technologyrenewable-energyWater vapor can double conductivity for better fuel cells, study finds
Researchers at the Institute of Science in Tokyo have discovered that introducing water vapor significantly enhances the oxygen ion conductivity of a ceramic material called barium–niobium–molybdenum oxide (Ba₇Nb₄MoO₂₀), which is promising for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). At 932°F (500°C), exposure to water vapor more than doubled the material’s oxide ion conductivity, improving ion flow without relying on protons as charge carriers. This effect occurs because water absorption adds interstitial oxygen ions that facilitate the movement of oxide ions through the crystal lattice by forming and breaking small dimer units, thereby easing ion mobility. This breakthrough addresses a major challenge in SOFC technology, which traditionally requires very high operating temperatures (up to 1,832°F/1,000°C) that cause rapid material degradation and high costs. By enabling efficient ion conduction at lower temperatures around 932°F, the new material could lead to longer-lasting, cheaper fuel cells
energyfuel-cellssolid-oxide-fuel-cellsceramicsion-conductivitymaterials-scienceclean-energyHumidity-enhanced ceramic nearly doubles fuel cell performance: Study
A recent study by researchers at the Institute of Science, Tokyo, in collaboration with Imperial College London and Kyushu University, has demonstrated that water vapor significantly enhances the efficiency of fuel cells using the ceramic electrolyte Ba7Nb4MoO20. This hexagonal perovskite-related oxide conducts oxide ions (O²⁻) through interstitial diffusion within its crystal structure. When exposed to water vapor at 932°F (500°C), the material’s oxygen ion conductivity nearly doubles compared to dry conditions, due to the absorption of water vapor adding extra oxygen ions into structural gaps. These ions form (Nb/Mo)₂O₉ dimers that facilitate easier oxygen ion movement, thereby boosting electrical conductivity. Fuel cells typically operate at very high temperatures (up to 1,000°C), which accelerates component wear, so improving electrolyte conductivity at lower temperatures is crucial. The study’s findings, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, provide new insights into how hydration affects ion transport in Ba
energyfuel-cellsceramic-materialselectrolyteion-conductivityclean-energyperovskite-oxidesinvisible nanobubbles boost clean energy, water, and battery tech
A U.S.-based company, Moleaer Inc., has developed a patent-pending nanobubble technology that significantly enhances the performance of thin-film coatings used in lithium-ion batteries, PEM fuel cells, green hydrogen systems, and water filtration membranes. By integrating billions of nanobubbles into liquid coatings during fabrication, this method improves porosity, dispersion, and structural uniformity of the films without altering their chemical composition. This results in up to a 66% increase in water permeability for ultrafiltration membranes, a 20% boost in power output for PEM fuel cells, and a 17% improvement in current density for hydrogen electrolyzers, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving economic viability. In lithium-ion batteries, the nanobubble-enhanced films enable faster charging, better capacity retention, and improved performance under high-demand conditions, contributing to longer battery life. The technology has been independently validated and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without major overhauls, facilitating easier adoption. Moleaer
nanobubblesclean-energylithium-ion-batteriesfuel-cellsgreen-hydrogenwater-filtrationthin-film-technologyChina's new fuel cell tech boosts power with barely any platinum
Chinese researchers have developed a breakthrough in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) by engineering a novel catalyst layer using triazine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This innovation addresses the longstanding challenge of poor oxygen transport within fuel cells, reducing oxygen resistance by 38 percent. The COF-enhanced interface creates a nano-porous mesh that efficiently channels oxygen directly to catalyst sites, significantly improving oxygen utilization and enabling a peak power density of 1.55 W/cm² with an exceptionally low platinum loading of 0.05 mg_Pt/cm². This performance surpasses typical platinum-heavy designs by 1.3 times, marking a major step toward cost-effective and high-performance fuel cells. This advancement is particularly timely given China’s ambitious net-zero emissions goal by 2060 and its push for hydrogen-powered transportation. By drastically cutting platinum dependency—a costly and geopolitically sensitive material—the new technology reduces both material costs and system complexity, avoiding the need for oversized or stacked
energyfuel-cellsplatinum-reductionproton-exchange-membranecatalyst-layerhydrogen-technologynano-interface-materialsUltra-thin membrane unlocks 20% cheaper, greener hydrogen fuel power
hydrogenfuel-cellsenergymembrane-technologysustainabilitycost-reductiongreen-technologyWill Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Just Follow The Hydrogen Car Storyline?
hydrogenfuel-cellstrucksbattery-electricenergytransportationclean-technologyHydrogen’s Harsh Reality: Plug Power, Ballard, and FuelCell Near the End?
energyhydrogenfuel-cellsPlug-PowerCleanTechsustainabilityfinancial-analysis