Dec 1, 2025
As part of the NIMPHEA project, the consortium is conducting operando synchrotron experiments on High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (HT-PEMFCs) at the ID31 beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The focus is on characterizing the structural evolution of the fuel cell components—anode, cathode, and membrane—at both the atomic and nanometer scales, under representative operating conditions. These unprecedented and original experiments are pivotal for understanding the phenomena that limit performance and durability, enabling us to design more efficient and robust HT-PEMFC systems, particularly for the challenging demands of aviation applications
These experiments mark a major milestone for the NIMPHEA project and highlight the importance of advanced research infrastructures like the ESRF in enabling innovation. By combining synchrotron characterization, advanced modeling, and system-level expertise, the project is actively contributing to the transformation of hydrogen technologies for sustainable transport.
Nov 24, 2025
The NIMPHEA consortium gathered at IMDEA Energy Institute (Mostoles, Spain) for its latest General Assembly meeting, bringing together all partners to review progress and plan the next steps in the project’s development.
During the two-days meeting, partners shared updates on ongoing research activities discussed recent achievements, and aligned on upcoming milestones. The IMDEA Energy team hosted the consortium and provided a stimulating environment for constructive discussions and strategic planning. Participants also had the opportunity to visit IMDEA’s research facilities, gaining valuable insights into the institute’s cutting-edge work in renewable energy technologies.
The NIMPHEA consortium thanks IMDEA Energy for their warm hospitality and all partners for their active contributions. The next months will be pivotal as the project enters its final year of implementation.
Jul 11, 2025
Showcasing Innovation in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology for Aviation
The NIMPHEA project was proudly presented at the Vienna Aviation Days 2025, a high-level event organised by the ExFan project, bringing together major European research initiatives to explore the future of aviation propulsion systems.
At the event, the NIMPHEA coordinator presented a poster (see here: Poster_Nimphea_A0_OK) detailing the project’s cutting-edge work on the development of High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells tailored for aviation applications.
Poster Highlights
The poster highlights NIMPHEA’s focus on design, manufacturing, testing, and environmental assessment of next-generation High Temperature Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs), especially its key innovations in:
- Electrode Development and characterization: Incorporation of corrosion-resistant carbon supports and mono-disperse platinum nanoparticles for improved catalyst performance.
- Durability & Efficiency: Integration of advanced materials to build effective and long-lasting MEAs under demanding aeronautical conditions.
- Manufacturing MEA: from lab scale surface (1.8 cm2) to representative MEA (160-180 cm2)
- Testing Capabilities: Use of a dedicated HT-PEM test rig to replicate real-world aviation scenarios.
- Life Cycle & Cost Assessments (LCA/LCC): Evaluation of environmental and economic performance from the MEA to the full propulsion system level.
A clear timeline guides the project from early component selection (2023) to full-scale MEA fabrication and testing by the end of 2026.
Jun 17, 2025
On June 11–12, 2025, the NIMPHEA project partners convened in Patras, Greece, for the fifth General Assembly, hosted by Advent Technologies. The meeting marked an important checkpoint in the project’s timeline, bringing together key stakeholders to evaluate progress and shape the path ahead.
Over the course of two days, consortium members presented technical developments, exchanged insights on ongoing challenges, and coordinated upcoming activities. A highlight of the meeting was the guided visit of Advent’s facilities in Patras Science Park, where participants explored the cutting-edge work being carried out on-site. The consortium also reached a consensus on risk identification for the upcoming year.
The Patras meeting reinforced the project’s collaborative momentum and underlined the shared commitment to driving innovation in hydrogen technologies across Europe.
Dec 16, 2024
The NIMPHEA project recently held its fourth General Assembly on December 9-10, 2024, at the Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA) in Grenoble, France. This two-day meeting brought together partners from across the consortium to discuss the latest technical achievements and align on the project’s future direction.
Highlights of the meeting included updates on work packages, roundtable discussions including one on the development of next-generation components. A visit to the CEA laboratory provided partners with valuable insights into the project’s technical elements and advancements.
The event showcased the innovative and collaborative spirit driving the NIMPHEA project, paving the way for the next phase of progress in hydrogen technology.
Jul 11, 2024
On June 26th and 27th, the NIMPHEA project held its third General Assembly meeting at Fraunhofer in Pfinztal (Germany).
Partners were gathered to present their main technical achievements and results, offering vision about the project’s progression on the development of a new generation of HT-MEA.
The agenda was structured between presentations from WP leaders on their activities since the last General Assembly and roundtable discussions to go through current project issues: a discussion on the choice of the MEA architecture and the upcoming first Periodic Report.
Thank you to the whole NIMPHEA team which made this meeting a success with insightful technical discussions.
And special thanks to Fraunhofer for welcoming the consortium in Pfinztal !
