AVL Focus - Issue 2025

HOME OF INNOVATION

ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Revolutionizing Hydrogen

­Technology Testing ­Together

HyCentA and AVL

HyCentA and AVL have joined forces in the COMET program (Competence

Centers for Excellent Technologies) to revolutionize the testing and

validation of hydrogen technologies. This strategic collaboration unites

cutting‑edge research with proven engineering expertise, paving the way

for safer, more efficient, and longer‑lasting hydrogen applications.

develop groundbreaking solutions that will support the transi-

tion to a hydrogen‑powered future,” says Dr. Alexander Trattner,

CEO & Research Director at HyCentA. AVL shares this com-

mitment: “With our experience in simulation and testing, AVL

is excited to work with HyCentA to drive hydrogen technology

advancements. Our joint efforts will lead to more efficient and

sustainable hydrogen applications worldwide,” adds Helmut

Iancu, Global Business Segment Manager at AVL.

Building the Next Generation of Testing Technologies

Through its integrated approach, ReMET is building the next

generation of measurement and testing technologies for

hydrogen applications – from containerized electrolyzer test-

beds with multi‑megawatt capacity to advanced diagnostic

and simulation environments. By accelerating development

cycles and improving system reliability, the project is laying the

foundation for faster commercialization of hydrogen technolo-

gies, strengthening Austria’s role as a global innovation leader

in the hydrogen economy.

aunched in 2023, the COMET project ReMET (Revolution-

ary Measurement and Testing Technologies for Hydro-

gen Applications) aims to set new industry benchmarks

for performance, safety, and durability in hydrogen systems.

Funded by the COMET program, it focuses on electrolyzers,

fuel cells, and hydrogen storage solutions, addressing the

most critical challenges in their development and commercial-

ization.

From Testing Methods to International Standards

The hydrogen economy demands systems that are safe,

efficient, and long‑lasting. Achieving this requires precise

testing methods, robust measurement technology, and clear

international standards. ReMET addresses all three. A major

focus of the strategic cooperation is on new test methods

for electrolyzers, including advanced analysis of degradation

and operating conditions to improve durability. This is com-

plemented by precise measurement technology for hydrogen

systems, enabling cost‑effective monitoring while ensuring

operational safety.

Innovation Across the Hydrogen Value Chain

The project also targets material compatibility studies, assess-

ing long‑term stability and permeability to ensure safe applica-

tions. Diagnostic tools for online health monitoring will allow

early detection of degradation mechanisms and help optimize

fuel cell lifetime. In parallel, simulation models and AI‑driven

testing frameworks will support predictive maintenance and

performance optimization. Standardization and certification

activities within ReMET aim to pave the way for the safe and

widespread implementation of hydrogen technologies.

A Shared Commitment to Progress

“This partnership marks a major step forward in hydrogen

research and testing. Combining our expertise enables us to

HyCentA stands for Hydrogen Research Center Austria.

Founded in 2005, HyCentA Research GmbH is Austria’s

leading non-university research institute for hydrogen

technologies. HyCentA operates within the COMET program

(Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies), which

receives funding from the BMIMI (Federal Ministry for

Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure) and the BMWET

(Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy, and Tourism), as well

as the co-financing federal provinces of Styria, Upper Austria,

Tyrol, and Vienna. The COMET program is managed by the

Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

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