Hydrogen Technology World Expo

Trade fair / October 20, 2026 - October 22, 2026

Hydrogen Technology World Expo

For over 30 years, Fraunhofer ISE has been supporting the development of climate-neutral industrial processes and sustainable mobility through the development of hydrogen technologies.

At the Hydrogen Technology World Expo, we will present:

Our innovative production processes for fuel cell and electrolyzer MEAs. Fraunhofer ISE operates industrial-scale production facilities that enable cutting-edge research in MEA production. By combining microstructural analysis, state-of-the-art electrochemical in-situ characterization of MEAs on the test bench, and an understanding of the physics behind the modeling, we enable rapid transfer from the laboratory to industrial production.
Our ammonia (NH₃) e-Cracker. Fraunhofer ISE is investigating compact, easily integrable reactor concepts for dynamic operation to enable the direct use of ammonia in power generation (engines, gas turbines, and fuel cells), high-temperature heat generation (industrial burners), and propulsion applications (emissions reduction).

Our advanced assessment and optimization of hydrogen and Power-to-X value chains. Fraunhofer ISE combines expertise in techno-economic analysis, sustainability assessment, process simulation, and GIS-based site evaluation to support the development of robust, cost-effective, and future-proof hydrogen projects from concept to implementation.

Learn more about our exhibits

Join our presentations

We look forward to exchanging ideas with you!

Event details

Location

Hamburg Messe
Messeplatz 1
20357 Hamburg

Date

October 20, 2026 - October 22, 2026

Organization

Hydrogen Technology World Expo

Our Presentations

October 21, 9:25 a.m.–9:45 a.m.

Hydrogen Stage

Industrial Roll-to-Roll-Production of Fuel Cell & Electrolysis Membrane Electrode Assemblies

For market ramp-up of fuel cells and electrolysis high-quality and high-throughput of production is inevitable. Especially, the MEA is a product with high complexity in R2R production. This presentation will report on latest findings based on Fraunhofer ISEs industrial machinery for catalyst ink mixing, catalyst layer coating, catalyst layer transfer, and converting of a full size MEA.

Ulf Groos, Head of Department Fuel Cell

October 21, 1:30 p.m.–2:10 p.m.

Hydrogen Stage

Panel Discussion: Is the Grid Ready for Hydrogen? Power Connections, Electrolyser Loads and System Planning

Large-scale electrolysers, hydrogen hubs and industrial decarbonisation projects will place new demands on electricity networks. This panel will examine whether grid infrastructure is ready for hydrogen production scale-up, how grid operators and project developers are planning connection capacity, and what is needed to coordinate renewable power, electrolysers, storage, industrial demand and future hydrogen pipeline systems.

Dr. Elias Frei, Director Division Hydrogen Technologies and Deputy Director Institute

October 22, 1:25 p.m.–1:45 p.m.

Carbon Capture Stage

Sorption Enhanced Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction in the Context of CCU

This presentation highlights sorption-enhanced CO₂ hydrogenation as a promising route for process intensification in Power-to-X and CCU applications. Based on systematic experimental studies and validated reactor simulations, the work demonstrates the strong potential of selected zeolites for in-situ water removal under reaction conditions. The results lead to a highly energy-optimised process concept for syngas production that can reduce process temperatures by more than 600 °C, opening new perspectives for efficient Fischer-Tropsch applications.

Dr. Achim Schaadt, Head of Department Sustainable Synthesis Products

Our Exhibits

Fraunhofer ISE will showcase innovative solutions and product developments in the fields of membrane electrode assembly production for fuel cells and electrolysis, ammonia (NH₃) e-cracking, sustainable synthesis product production, and hydrogen systems analysis. Our experts look forward to presenting our broad portfolio of innovations and services to support the upscaling of hydrogen technologies.

Series Production of Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Membranes

R2R-MEA machine — © Fraunhofer ISE / Foto: Joscha Feuerstein
Our production research in »H2 MEA-TEC«, from catalyst powder to seven-layer MEAs, comprises the influences of process design and parameters, materials and component architecture on MEA cost, quality and operation behaviour.

Fraunhofer ISE offers its customers the investigation of different processes for the production of electrolysis and fuel cell MEAs from laboratory to industrial scale. The researchers have a deep understanding of process and ink development for various coating processes, including rheological characterization, surface characterization of catalyst layers and detection of defects. They are able to flexibly adapt manufacturing processes to different materials and surfaces to be coated.

We will demonstrate the design of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for electrolysis and mobile fuel cells that can be manufactured using screen printing or slot die processes with commercially available materials. The process parameters identified in the laboratory for the differently manufactured MEAs for PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers provide the basis for scaling up in roll-to-roll manufacturing. Learn how it is possible to achieve flexible catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) production and process development that can be adapted to different materials!

Research and development services for:

MEA manufacturers
Stack manufacturers
Coating system providers
Material suppliers (ionomer, catalyst powder)

More info

Ammonia Cracking

Fuel preparation technology CatVap® — © Fraunhofer ISE
CatVap® reactor concept for reforming and oxidation reactions.

During ammonia cracking, ammonia (NH₃) is converted into its components nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂). To enable this chemical reaction efficiently at moderate temperatures, catalysts are used. The process is endothermic and therefore requires a continuous heat supply. This heat can be provided electrically or chemically via the partial oxidation of NH₃ to N₂ and water. In large-scale industrial plants, heating is typically provided by burners that heat the reactor walls and thus indirectly heat the catalyst. Fraunhofer ISE is investigating compact, easily integrable reactor concepts suitable for dynamic operation.

The exhibited eCracker features a modular reactor design with an electrically heated catalyst carrier, enabling fast start-up in under two minutes (with further optimization in progress). With a hydrogen production capacity of up to 0.8 kg/h and an electrical power supply of approx. 4–5 kW, it can be easily integrated into existing systems and scaled via numbering-up for different power classes.

Research and development services for:

Engine, turbine & fuel cell manufacturers
Plant engineering / EPCs & system integrators
PtX project developers

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Power-to-X

Fraunhofer ISE offers a wide range of research services in the field of chemical energy storage. The researchers develop efficient PtX processes, conduct assessments of technology and potential, and provide support with customized catalysts. They are currently researching sustainable liquid fuels for aviation, as well as an innovative, sustainable power-to-ammonia process that increases the ammonia yield and reduces production costs. In addition, they have developed the patented INDIGO process, an efficient and compact method for producing renewable DME from hydrogen and CO₂, which represents an efficient and cost-effective process alternative and can also be implemented at locations with limited infrastructure.

Fraunhofer ISE’s PtX Cube displays different hydrogen-based energy carriers in terms of their relative energy density compared to non-pressurized and compressed hydrogen.

Research and development services for:

PtX project developers and investors
Catalyst manufacturers
Technology and process developers
Plant operators
EPC companies

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Hydrogen Infrastructure

© Fraunhofer ISE
Optimal placement and scaling of electrolyzers: Fraunhofer ISE identifies and analyzes hydrogen model regions through geographic information systems (GIS).

The scientists use geographical information systems (GIS) to locate and analyze hydrogen model regions. Using techno-economic analyses, they develop and evaluate customized solutions for the production of clean hydrogen from renewable energies, its efficient storage and demand-oriented distribution. They prepare feasibility analyses of hydrogen projects, calculations for the design and optimization of electrolyzers, output forecasts and life cycle analyses.

Our 3D exhibit “Hydrogen Model Region” models a local, self-contained world with regional hydrogen production, distribution and storage and showcases the comprehensive expertise across the entire value chain of the department Hydrogen Technologies at Fraunhofer ISE.

Research and development services for:

Port operators / logistics providers
Project developers in general
Industry in general
Public transport operators
Municipalities / cities

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Research Topic

Membrane Electrolysis

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Research Topic

Fuel Cell

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Research Topic

Sustainable Synthesis Products

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Research Topic

Hydrogen System Analysis

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Exhibition & Conference

Trade fair / October 20, 2026 - October 22, 2026