The project aims to develop innovative high-power modules based on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM FC) for heavy-duty transport applications. The research and development activities are aimed at creating innovative solutions that meet the power and durability requirements of the specific application, while ensuring competitive costs and adequate performance.

The project is structured around two development lines focused on the creation of innovative high-power polymer-based modules designed for integration into heavy-duty trucks and onboard ship systems.

In the field of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), the level of technological maturity has enabled their application in passenger cars (mainly in the United States and Asia) and buses (more widely adopted in Europe). However, the use of hydrogen technologies in high-power applications—such as heavy-duty vehicles, trains, ships, and stationary electricity generation—remains limited due to several challenges: high production costs of electrochemical components; the need for substantial investment in infrastructure for hydrogen distribution and storage across the entire value chain; and the necessity to improve the performance and reliability of hydrogen-based systems.

The most pressing challenge for this technology is to reduce costs by increasing production volumes, improving and automating processes, and—most importantly—developing stacks and modules with enhanced performance. To this end, it is essential to develop new components that are more efficient and cost-effective—for example, by increasing power density and durability or by improving the configuration of the cell stacks.

Improving components is the key strategy to enhance both the power density and long-term durability of PEM fuel cells. Therefore, the innovation targeted by the project will focus on the main components of the MEA (membrane, catalyst layer, microporous layer, and gas diffusion media), the flow field plates, the cooling systems, and their integration in order to achieve the required performance.