Overview of the ZBT
Since its establishment in 2001, the ZBT – Center for Fuel Cell Technology in Duisburg has closed the gap between basic university research and industrial development departments.
In more than 20 years, the ZBT has acquired comprehensive know-how in application-oriented research in the fields of fuel cells, hydrogen and electrolysis. With its expertise, ZBT is a sought-after research and development partner and consulting service provider.
Departments
In our seven scientific departments, our large team of scientists work on research and industrial projects relating to practical issues concerning fuel cells, hydrogen and electrolysis on a daily basis. This ranges from functional materials, components and systems to entire infrastructures. We also investigate and continuously develop manufacturing processes to pave the way for optimal mass production.
It is important to acknowledge the contribution of the many people who work in our Technical and Commercial Services departments to keep the instute running.
Equipment
The media supply in our main laboratory has just been massively expanded so that we can also test in higher performance classes, for example in relation to mobility applications. We develop and build most of our high-tech test stands ourselves. In addition, we have many high-performance analytical devices for material characterisation, such as an X-ray microscope, 3D microscope and thermogravimetric analysis device.
Moreover, the ZBT has successfully established a highly effective ammonia infrastructure, thereby promoting the advancement of technologies relating to hydrogen derivatives. On our hydrogen test field, we can set up and analyse the interaction of entire systems.
Recent awards
Our supporting association
The Verein zur Förderung des Zentrums für BrennstoffzellenTechnik e.V. supports the ZBT in its work. Members gain insights into research and development at the ZBT and make valuable contacts with each other as well as the ZBT.
Founding:
24 September 2002
Headquaters:
Duisburg
Founding Members:
8
Current Members:
38 (as of August 2024)
General meeting:
Yearly
Board of Directors:
Carsten Krause, Chairman – Dr. Frank Koch, Deputy Chairman & Treasurer
Promotion of research and development at ZBT
Assistance in seeking industrial partners
Cooperation with ZBT in the development of the research and development programme
Network platform
The ZBT is an affiliated institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen and a member of the Johannes Rau Research Community
Directions
Please note our current information on directions and parking:
ZBT is currently difficult to reach due to construction work in the immediate vicinity, and the parking situation is quite tense. If possible, please travel by public transport or allow extra time for finding a parking space and walking.
One-way street regulation
Due to construction work, access to the ZBT site via Carl-Benz-Straße is currently only possible from the south via Forsthausweg.
Either drive through the Fraunhofer-inHaus-Zentrum grounds (Google Maps) to the ZBT car parks or circle the new university parking garage on Carl-Benz-Straße and drive directly onto the ZBT premises (Google Maps). You can ignore the no-entry signs thanks to the additional sign ‘Zufahrt ZBT frei’ (ZBT access free).
Parking
Parking at ZBT is limited. There are a few signposted visitor parking spaces (Google Maps) in front of our main entrance – Maps does not show the entrance, but it is there.
Please do not park opposite the NETZ or in the two parking spaces to the left in front of the lawn!
Additional free parking spaces:
- University car park (Google Maps)
- New university parking garage (Google Maps) – the entrance is currently open for all.
Deliveries
Our delivery point is located in the annex (Google Maps). Access is possible via Carl-Benz-Straße (despite construction work) and via the grounds of the Fraunhofer inHaus Centre (Forsthausweg 1).
New branch office
ZBT has recently opened a branch office not far from its main location in the ‘Tectrum’ building at Bismarckstraße 120-142, 47057 Duisburg-Neudorf (Google Maps).
Note: There is more than one Bismarckstraße in Duisburg! When entering the address into your navigation system, please specify the postcode or district (“Neudorf”).
Route description
From Duisburg Central Station:
Take bus lines 933 or 926 to the final stop ‘Uni Nord’ (travel time: 11-15 minutes).
Alternatively, take tram line 901 towards Mülheim/Ruhr to the ‘Zoo/Uni’ stop. From there, follow the signs to ‘Universitätsbereich L’ (university area ‘L’). (Travel time: approx. 5 min + walking distance)
From Düsseldorf Airport (DUS):
At Düsseldorf Airport, take the SkyTrain from the terminal to the airport long-distance train station. From there, take a train to Duisburg Central Station. Continue as described above.
Alternatively: A taxi ride from Düsseldorf Airport takes approx. 30 min and costs around 65 euros (as of 7/2025).
From Frankfurt Airport (FRA):
From Frankfurt Airport long-distance train station, take the ICE express train to Duisburg Central Station (travel time: approx. 1:15 – 2 hours). Continue as described above.
From the A40 and A3 motorways at the Kaiserberg junction, take the Duisburg-Kaiserberg exit.
Turn left at the traffic lights onto Carl-Benz-Strasse. At the fork (like an exit), keep right towards DU-Zentrum. Then turn right onto Mülheimer Strasse.
After a few hundred metres, turn left onto Lotharstrasse. Then turn left onto Forsthausweg.
Either turn left here and drive across the grounds of the Fraunhofer-inHaus-Zentrum (Forsthausweg 1) to the ZBT grounds, or follow the course of the road (Forsthausweg becoming Carl-Benz-Strasse) and drive around the new university car park (ignore the no-entry signs; entrances to the ZBT grounds are signposted).
Directions to print
Download