ZENTRUM FUR BRENNSTOFFZELLEN-TECHNIK GMBH

Their core work

ZBT is a dedicated fuel cell and hydrogen technology research center based in Duisburg, Germany. They develop and test hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and membrane reactor technologies for energy conversion and decarbonisation. Their work spans the full hydrogen value chain — from PEM fuel cell power plants for stationary grid applications to heavy-duty vehicle refueling protocols and ammonia-based power generation. They serve as a technical partner bringing applied R&D and testing capabilities to European hydrogen consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ZBT's early H2020 work (2015-2018) centered on established fuel cell technology design and hydrogen delivery quality assessment — foundational applied R&D. From 2018 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward two directions: grid-integrated stationary fuel cell power plants (GRASSHOPPER) and heavy-duty hydrogen refueling protocols (PRHYDE). Their most recent project, HiPowAR (2020-2025), marks a notable expansion into ammonia as a carbon-free fuel and membrane reactor technology, signaling a move beyond pure hydrogen toward broader decarbonisation pathways.

ZBT is expanding from traditional hydrogen fuel cells into alternative carbon-free fuels (ammonia) and grid integration, positioning themselves for the next wave of European decarbonisation infrastructure.

How they like to work

ZBT operates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator — they bring specialized technical capabilities rather than project leadership. With 34 unique partners across 14 countries from just 5 projects, they work in medium-to-large consortia and maintain a broad network rather than repeat partnerships. This suggests they are valued as a go-to technical contributor that different consortium leaders actively recruit for hydrogen-related expertise.

ZBT has built a wide European network of 34 unique partners across 14 countries through just 5 projects, indicating they are well-connected across the hydrogen and fuel cell research community. Their partnerships span the continent rather than clustering in any single region.

What sets them apart

ZBT is one of Germany's dedicated fuel cell technology centers, combining deep expertise in PEM systems with practical hydrogen infrastructure work — a rare combination of lab-scale R&D and real-world deployment knowledge. Their involvement in both the FCH2 Joint Undertaking (fuel cell and hydrogen) programs and standard RIA projects gives them credibility across the full technology readiness spectrum. The recent move into ammonia-based power generation adds a forward-looking dimension that few fuel cell centers yet offer.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HiPowAR
  Represents ZBT's strategic expansion into ammonia as a carbon-free fuel via membrane reactors — a departure from their traditional hydrogen focus and their longest-running H2020 project (2020-2025).
• PRHYDE
  Directly addresses the critical infrastructure gap of heavy-duty hydrogen refueling protocols at multiple pressure levels (35-70 MPa), essential for hydrogen truck and bus deployment across Europe.
• GRASSHOPPER
  Tackles grid-scale PEM fuel cell power plants with demand-side management capabilities — connecting hydrogen technology to the electricity grid flexibility challenge.