Fuel cells & hydrogen

Fuel cells – a step on the way to sustainable energy production
With fuel cells capable of producing energy from hydrogen and other fuels, we have taken a major step forward towards the goal of sustainable energy production. This will have a positive effect on the global environment because it contributes to a reduction of CO2 emissions and preserves natural resources. Risø’s research into fuel cells and hydrogen contributes to this development. Among other things, we are supplying the basic knowledge for Denmark’s production of SOFC fuel cells.

Fuel cells
Risø’s research into fuel cell technology – from materials to effect – is leading the way globally. Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy with a high level of efficiency.

For many years, we have collaborated closely with Haldor Topsøe A/S and Topsøe Fuel Cell A/S about the development of the so-called SOFC fuel cells.
Besides electricity, the fuel cells also produce heat which can be used for heating houses.

SOFCs are, however, very flexible, and can also use other fuels, such as natural gas, biomass, methane, ammonia and hydrogen. 		  Hydrogen and synthetic fuels
It is a precondition for being able to exploit renewable energy sources for transport purposes and to even out the mismatches between fluctuations in consumption and the generation of energy, that the energy can be converted and stored.
A fuel cell, used in reverse - as an electrolytic cell - can produce hydrogen with high efficiency.

At Risø electrolytic cells are developed which can produce synthetic gas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon oxide) from water and CO2. The power may come from wind- and solar energy and the CO2 from e.g. cement, steel or power plants.

With synthetic gas, synthetic fuels may be produced such as methane or gasoline to replace fossil fuels for the transportation sector


Søren Linderoth
Professor, Head of Division
Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry (ABF)
Dir tel+45 46775801