Research at the Hydrogen Innovation Centre
Mika Järvinen, Associate Professor, Director of the Hydrogen Innovation CentreAalto University wants to build a sustainable future. Research and education across the entire value chain of hydrogen technology and the hydrogen economy will play a key role in this task.
Grand challenges - our solutions for green energy transition
Holistic system level understanding
We analyse local, national and global energy systems and markets, and how hydrogen and its derivatives help in decarbonization. Being technology neutral, we aim to find systems, technologies and solutions that can accelerate the green transition with sustainable material choices.
Variable production and energy storage challenge
We develop dynamic operation of electrolysers and use of hydrogen as a means of energy storage. We work on the physical storage of hydrogen and its utilization in conversion processes. Our research on combustion of hydrogen and its vector fuels in internal combustion engines offers energy-efficient, carbon-neutral and 100% circular solutions for balancing load variations, being both a substitute and a complement to batteries.
Energy and material efficiency and sufficiency
We have developed novel solutions for PEM electrolyser cathode materials, already achieving a 90% reduction platinum group metal consumption. Further, we are investigating new electrolyser technologies aiming to a 80-90% reduction in energy consumption.
Hard-to-abate sectors
We are developing solutions for aviation and marine fuels and circular plastics that require green hydrogen as raw material. We are also focusing on efficient and flexible Power-to-X solutions, as well as sustainable CO2 sources. We develop solutions for end-users to retrofit and convert existing combustion technologies to new fuels.
Just and sustainable transition
Sustainability is not just a word for us - it is built into everything we do, from undergraduate education to world-class research, where minimizing the environmental impact is key.
Recent research news
Ammonia – a new green energy solution? Research project receives €2.5 million in funding
Ammonia is a promising alternative fuel for the marine industry and for storing green hydrogen, but there are many question marks over its use.

Tanja Kallio: Boosting the hydrogen revolution
Researchers are working to develop an electrocatalyst that does not require noble metals

The BalticSeaH2 project starts building a hydrogen valley around the Baltic Sea
Aalto University will focus on studying the use of data-mediated network effects to boost the growth in the hydrogen valley.

How does hydrogen actually work as a fuel? Research project receives 1.7 million euros to study hydrogen combustion
The goal of the project financed by Business Finland is to speed up the development of emission-free marine technology, among other things.
