Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAMGreen hydrogen is considered a key component on the path to climate neutrality. It enables the integration of electricity, heating, mobility, and industry, and replaces fossil fuels in sectors that are difficult to electrify directly. For hydrogen to realize its full potential, efficient electrolysis processes, durable materials, high-performance storage solutions, and reliable transportation infrastructure are needed.
Green Hydrogen for the Energy Transition
Hydrogen as the Key to Climate Neutrality
Hydrogen is a versatile energy and material carrier that can be used without emissions, provided it comes from renewable sources. It enhances security of supply, supports the development of resilient energy systems, and opens up new value chains in industry and mobility. At the same time, the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy faces challenges: costs, efficiency, scaling, material availability, and safety requirements. This is where Fraunhofer IFAM’s research comes in.
Our Research Focus Areas along the Hydrogen Value Chain
For over 20 years, Fraunhofer IFAM has been conducting research on hydrogen and is an integral part of the hydrogen community. We support industry and the public sector across the entire value chain – from materials and process development to application-oriented testing. Our research focuses on: The goal is to reduce material and manufacturing costs, increase efficiency and operational reliability, and thus enable cost-effective, scalable solutions.
- Sustainable production of green hydrogen (electrolysis)
- Transport and storage of hydrogen
- Use of hydrogen, particularly in fuel cell systems
- Material and process innovations for hydrogen technologies
Production of Green Hydrogen through Electrolysis
Efficient, cost-effective electrolysis is the foundation of a competitive hydrogen economy. Fraunhofer IFAM is working on various electrolysis technologies: To this end, it has an extensive laboratory infrastructure with laboratory electrolysers, analytical methods, and test benches available to investigate new materials and components under realistic conditions.
- Alkaline electrolysis (AEL): Further development of a proven technology toward higher efficiency, optimized material usage, and longer service life.
- PEM and AEM electrolysis: Systems for dynamic operation with fluctuating wind and solar power, ideal for direct coupling to renewable energy plants.
- Seawater electrolysis: Development of catalysts, membranes, and materials that function safely and durably even under highly corrosive conditions.
Transport and Storage of Hydrogen
A comprehensive hydrogen supply system requires a variety of storage and transport concepts. Among other things, Fraunhofer IFAM is working on:
- Pressure and cryogenic storage: Lightweight, safe pressure tanks made of fiber-reinforced composites for pressures up to several hundred bar, as well as materials for cryogenic temperatures down to approximately minus 253 °C. The focus is on sealing systems, long-term behavior, and preventing material embrittlement.
- LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier): Development of durable tank coatings and optimized catalysts to safely and efficiently store and release chemically bound hydrogen.
- Metal hydrides: Composite materials with high volumetric storage density and improved reaction kinetics for applications with limited installation space.
- POWERPASTE: Paste-based hydrogen storage technology based on magnesium hydride (MgH₂), which releases hydrogen on demand in a hydrolyzer reactor – ideal for applications without an established hydrogen refueling network.
- Condition Monitoring and Corrosion Protection: Solutions for hydrogen pipelines and large-scale storage facilities, sustainable fouling and corrosion protection, automated condition monitoring, as well as testing methods and models for realistic simulation of loads.
Efficient Use of Hydrogen via Fuel Cells
Fuel cells represent a key application for hydrogen – for example, in vehicles, aircraft, stationary systems, or mobile devices. For them to become widely adopted, systems must be cost-effective, efficient, and capable of being produced in large quantities. Fraunhofer IFAM develops material and process solutions that accelerate fuel cell manufacturing and make it more reliable. A key focus is on fast, process-reliable bonding methods that enable high-density, precise joints at high cycle rates and avoid thermal stresses such as those associated with welding. This helps lower production costs, improve component quality, and reduce corrosion risks during operation.
Shaping the Hydrogen Economy together
Would you like to learn more about our work in green hydrogen, electrolysis technologies, storage and transportation solutions, or fuel cell manufacturing?
Fraunhofer IFAM can support you with studies, materials and process development, prototyping, testing, and scaling support. Contact us – together, we can develop sustainable solutions for a climate-neutral hydrogen economy.
What is green hydrogen, and why is it important for the energy transition?
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources and generates no CO₂ emissions during its production or use. It is important for the energy transition because it can decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify – such as industrial processes, certain modes of transportation, and long-term energy storage – thereby enabling sector coupling.
What electrolysis technologies is Fraunhofer IFAM continuing to develop?
Fraunhofer IFAM is conducting research on alkaline electrolysis (AEL), PEM electrolysis, and, in particular, AEM electrolysis to improve efficiency, service life, and resource efficiency. The focus is on cost-effective catalysts, optimized electrode structures, and cell designs that can be operated on an industrial scale.
What hydrogen storage solutions is Fraunhofer IFAM researching?
Fraunhofer IFAM conducts research on pressure and cryogenic storage systems, LOHC systems, metal hydrides, and the paste-based storage technology POWERPASTE. The goal is to provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective storage solutions tailored to specific applications – ranging from small-scale mobile applications to industrial and infrastructure projects.
Where are the hydrogen technologies developed by Fraunhofer IFAM used?
Fraunhofer IFAM’s hydrogen technologies are used in a variety of applications, including mobility (e.g., fuel cell vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles equipped with POWERPASTE), stationary energy supply systems, aviation, and industrial processes and infrastructure. They are also incorporated into national flagship projects such as H₂Giga and TransHyDE, which address the production, transport, and storage of hydrogen for the German hydrogen economy.
How does Fraunhofer IFAM support companies in developing the hydrogen economy?
Fraunhofer IFAM supports companies with materials and process development, component design, testing, and demonstrators, as well as studies on production, transport, storage, and utilization. In addition, the institute contributes its expertise to national and international collaborative projects, thereby helping to translate technologies into scalable, industrially viable solutions.