Research Field Alternative Storage

The large-scale deployment of clean hydrogen depends on reducing costs and improving efficiency. Production costs are primarily determined by electricity prices and the capital costs of electrolyzers. Although electricity from solar and wind has become much cheaper in recent years, the cost of electrolyzer installations has increased. Advancing the efficiency of the electrochemical processes and developing innovative system concepts are therefore key to improving the competitiveness of clean hydrogen.

Safe handling, storage, and transport are essential for broad societal acceptance. While hydrogen is already managed safely at large industrial scales, its use in everyday applications will require a more detailed understanding of its physical properties and its interactions with common construction and equipment materials.

Fuel cells are another enabling technology for a sustainable energy system. Their scalability and high efficiency make them suitable for electricity generation and vehicle propulsion. Current research increasingly focuses on applications in heavy-duty transport, maritime shipping, and aerospace. Technical progress in recent years has resulted in higher power density, lower costs, and improved durability. Nevertheless, further research is required to identify less expensive and more environmentally friendly electrolytes, and to enhance the robustness of fuel cells under varying fuel quality and dynamic operating conditions.

In addition to hydrogen-based solutions, battery systems using aqueous electrolytes are emerging as a promising option for large-scale electricity storage. Although their energy density is lower than that of other battery types, they provide advantages in terms of safety and help reduce the demand for critical raw materials.