ZBT - The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center

ZBT – The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center

The ZBT — The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center — is one of Europe’s leading research institutions for fuel cells, hydrogen technologies, and electrolysis processes. The ZBT is a sought-after research and development partner in cutting-edge European and national research as well as in industrial projects focusing on automotive applications and stationary power generation.

Applied Research

From molecular structures to parts and components to entire systems; from green hydrogen production to refueling to reconversion to electricity; from prototypes to small-scale production to mass production — through our application-oriented research and development, we build a bridge between basic research at universities and industry.

Neutral and independent

As a nonprofit limited liability company (GmbH), the ZBT operates in a neutral and independent manner. Since 2005, the University of Duisburg-Essen has been its sole shareholder.

Equipment

Our approximately 180 employees have access to an outstanding technical infrastructure, which includes powerful testing facilities, chemical laboratories and high-tech analytics.

Learn more about the ZBT

News from the ZBT

A key component of our research and development work is the transfer of our findings to the business community and the interested public. That’s why we’re providing you here with the latest news from our research, event announcements and reports, and interesting facts about life at the institute.

The latest research findings, announcements, and invitations to upcoming events or trade shows, as well as reports on visits by politicians and delegations from faraway countries — you’ll find it all here.

The press can also find the latest information and photos about the ZBT here.

Latest news: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President Hendrik Wüst are being shown around the hydrogen test field at the ZBT - The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center - by a member of staff.

The Latest News

6. July, 2026

ZBT researcher Elisabeth Verweyen presents progress on conductive polymer compounds

The ZBT presented its latest research findings on the development of conductive polymer compounds at two international conferences.

29. June, 2026

ZBT Showcases Expertise in Podcasts: Research, Knowledge Transfer, and Science Communication

Whether it’s the latest hydrogen research, knowledge and technology transfer, or science communication, staff members at the ZBT – The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center — share their expertise through various podcast formats.

29. June, 2026

ZBT Team Succeeds at Duisburg Dragon Boat Races

Once again this year, the ZBT celebrated two sporting victories with its dragon boat team, “Die Brennstoffzellen,” at the Duisburg Dragon Boat Regattas.

29. June, 2026

ZBT doctoral students present their research at EPHyC and H2science in Trondheim

Five ZBT doctoral students presented their current research in Trondheim at the European PhD Hydrogen Conference (EPHyC) and the H2science Conference.

Our research

We are committed to application-oriented, cutting-edge research on hydrogen, fuel cells, and electrolysis.

The ZBT — The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center in Duisburg — conducts application-oriented research on topics related to hydrogen, thereby bridging the gap between basic research and industry.

We conduct research for a clean future

For more than 20 years, the ZBT has been synonymous with research at the highest scientific level. Every day, more than 100 scientists here push the current state of science further toward the future. As a result, the ZBT has been one of the leading institutions for hydrogen, fuel cell, and electrolysis research in Germany and Europe for many years.

Researcher Miriam Hesse at an electrolysis test bench at the ZBT- The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center, where she is investigating electrochemical components

Projects

The ZBT is working closely with partners in science and industry to develop technical solutions for our future energy system.

In addition to basic research conducted in collaboration with scientific partners, we work with industry and academia on a wide variety of projects in applied research and experimental development.

Exclusive contract research and various services round out our portfolio.

300+

Completed projects since founding

~90

Current Research Projects

100+

Current Research Staff

Our research areas

Fuel cell

Hydrogen

Electrolysis

Discover our projects

3D X-ray microscope at the ZBT - The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center for the investigation of hydrogen technologies

Our Services

Fuel cells, electrolysis, hydrogen storage and refueling, ammonia technologies, and much more — from the nano level to the system level. ZBT supports industry and research with a wide range of services.

Development – Systematic Design, Material Development, and Operating Strategy for Electrochemical Components
Manufacturing Process – Layering Technology: From Component Manufacturing and Assembly to Quality Assurance
Measurement and Testing Methods – Ex situ Analysis of Metallic Bipolar Plates and MEA Components, In situ Analysis of Fuel Cell Components
Consulting and Studies – Development of system architectures, integration of hydrogen solutions into production processes, analysis of scalability and economic viability
Modeling and Simulation – Analysis of Transport and Reaction Processes Along the Hydrogen Value Chain
Contract Research and Project Partnerships

Directly to our services

development services

Production Processes

Measurement and testing procedures

Consultancy and studies

Modelling and Simulation

Overview of our services

Become part of the team

Our Mission: As one of Europe’s leading research institutions for fuel cells, hydrogen technologies, and electrolysis processes, the ZBT is working to develop the sustainable energy system of the future. The ZBT is a sought-after research and development partner in cutting-edge European and national research as well as in industrial projects focusing on automotive applications and stationary power generation.