IRD FUEL CELLS A/S

Their core work

IRD Fuel Cells is a Danish SME specializing in the design and manufacturing of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) components for hydrogen electrolysis and fuel cell systems. They develop membrane-electrode assemblies, electrocatalysts, and electrolyzer stacks used in green hydrogen production and CO2 conversion. Their work spans from individual cell components to full stack integration, making them a hands-on technology supplier for the European hydrogen value chain.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IRD's early H2020 work (2016-2018) covered a broader electrochemistry portfolio — from PEM electrolyzers for grid balancing (HPEM2GAS) to CO2-to-methanol conversion (LOTER.CO2M) and platinum-free fuel cell cathodes (PEGASUS). Their more recent projects narrow the focus sharply toward hydrogen production via electrolysis, culminating in ANIONE's work on anion exchange membranes — a next-generation alternative to costly PEM systems. This trajectory shows a company moving from general electrochemical R&D toward becoming a specialist in affordable, scalable green hydrogen technology.

IRD is converging on cost-reducing electrolysis technologies (AEM, platinum-free catalysts), positioning themselves for the scale-up phase of Europe's hydrogen economy.

How they like to work

IRD operates exclusively as a consortium participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which is typical for a component-supplier SME that brings specific technical capabilities rather than project management capacity. With 32 unique partners across 9 countries in just 6 projects, they connect widely rather than repeatedly, suggesting they are sought after by different research groups for their specialized manufacturing know-how. This makes them a reliable, low-overhead partner: they deliver their component and don't compete for the leadership seat.

IRD has built a broad European network of 32 partners across 9 countries through 6 projects, indicating they are well-connected within the hydrogen and fuel cell research community despite their small size. Their partnerships span universities, research institutes, and industrial players across the EU hydrogen corridor.

What sets them apart

IRD bridges the gap between laboratory electrochemistry and industrial-scale manufacturing — a rare combination among hydrogen SMEs. While many partners in their consortia focus on fundamental research or system integration, IRD occupies the critical middle ground of component production: membranes, electrodes, and assemblies. For consortium builders, they offer a partner who can actually fabricate and test the physical hardware that turns a research concept into a working electrolyzer.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Fit-4-AMandA
  Largest funding (EUR 599K) and focused on automated manufacturing — directly tied to IRD's core business of scaling fuel cell component production.
• ANIONE
  Most recent project signals IRD's strategic pivot toward anion exchange membrane electrolysis, a technology that could dramatically reduce hydrogen production costs by eliminating precious metals.
• LOTER.CO2M
  Demonstrates IRD's versatility beyond pure hydrogen — applying electrochemical expertise to CO2 conversion and green methanol production.