Through multiple projects, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is improving the performance and decreasing the cost of hydrogen fuel production and fuel cell technologies. PNNL’s research is developing new materials—like a durable, high-performance cathode support—and improving the manufacturing processes by using a “drop-on-demand” process to produce membrane electrode assemblies, the heart of the fuel cell. PNNL research is also on hydrogen fuel processing, including producing hydrogen fuel from biomass. PNNL is also advancing hydrogen storage applications, for example, through developing smaller, lighter, higher-capacity hydrogen storage systems for fuel cell electric vehicles. Finally, as the leader of the Hydrogen Safety Panel, PNNL provides hydrogen emergency response training for first responders.

Positive Impact

EERE-funded PNNL projects are improving performance and decreasing production costs of hydrogen fuel and fuel cell technologies.

Locations

Washington

Partners

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

EERE Investment

$7 million over three years

Clean Energy Sector

Sustainable transportation

The Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) conducts comprehensive efforts to overcome the technological, economic, and institutional barriers to the widespread commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cells.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.