UK fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research: A Capabilities Guide

The UK has over 30 academic institutions highly active in fuel cells and hydrogen research, as well as a number of contract research organisations with relevant experience.

The UK has over 30 academic institutions highly active in fuel cells and hydrogen research, as well as a number of contract research organisations with relevant experience. The Research Capabilities Guide, published in 2003, provides valuable information on organisations active in fuel cells research in the UK. You can search and view individual entries on-line.

Issues currently being researched include transient behaviour, longevity and cost, membrane types, electrode systems performance degradation, levels and types of catalyst coatings, microbial fuel cell systems and process modelling of biomass-derived fuels for fuel cell systems. There is also research into fuel cell policy and strategy, and issues such as public acceptance. Longer term research into fuel flexibility and optimisation of the technology is also being carried out, albeit to a lesser degree. In 2003, UK academics published over 100 papers directly related to fuel cells and hydrogen.

Dr Daniel Aklil working on the Satrosphere electric fuel cell vehicle, at the Aberdeen Lab of siGEN, Fuel Cell Power Solutions.

The UK academic base exhibits a high degree of collaboration, and there are strong links with Germany, USA, Canada, Japan and China. Academic institutions work closely with industry and several fuel cell companies have been spun out of academic research activity.