Taoyuan, Taiwan – National Central University (NCU) has officially established the Hydrogen Energy Research Center, following approval by the university’s administrative council on May 5, 2025 (ROC 114.5.5), with the decision confirmed on May 26, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in NCU’s commitment to sustainable energy innovation and Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emissions roadmap.
The Hydrogen Energy Research Center aims to become a major hub for hydrogen technology innovation and application in Asia, integrating interdisciplinary expertise across the Colleges of Engineering, Science, Earth Sciences, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and Management.
The Center’s core research areas focus on:
- Low-carbon hydrogen production technologies – including high-efficiency water electrolysis and integration with renewable energy;
- Advanced hydrogen storage and transport – involving solid-state materials like MOFs and chemical hydrogen carriers;
- Hydrogen end-use applications – such as fuel cells (SOFC, PEMFC), industrial hydrogen utilization, and distributed energy systems.
Beyond technology development, the Center promotes industrial collaboration, policy support, and public communication. It will establish a lab-to-pilot-scale technology platform, spearhead the “Hydrogen Industry Alliance,” and engage in national policy co-development to accelerate hydrogen commercialization.
International collaboration is a cornerstone of the Center’s mission, with active partnerships established with top institutions including Germany’s Forschungszentrum Jülich, Kyushu University in Japan, and the California Institute of Technology in the U.S.
The Center is structured with a director, one to two deputy directors, and five specialized divisions: Hydrogen Production, Hydrogen Storage, Hydrogen Applications, Policy and Communication, and Industry Promotion. Dedicated research, technical, and administrative personnel will support each unit to ensure efficient operation and impactful outcomes.
NCU emphasized that it has cultivated substantial expertise in hydrogen-related fields over the years. With the establishment of this Center, the university aims to lead the national hydrogen research agenda, foster talent, and contribute meaningfully to the global energy transition.
