Scientists at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have successfully operated key components of a next-generation fuel cell system at over one megawatt each, marking a major milestone in the BALIS project to develop climate-friendly propulsion systems, reports New York's Interesting Engineering.

The BALIS initiative aims to create high-power electric propulsion for aircraft, ships and heavy-duty vehicles. The DLR team is building a unique test facility capable of supporting outputs up to 1.5 megawatts.

Researchers confirmed that both the fuel cells and electric motor were operated above one megawatt for the first time. The system uses 12 fuel cell modules, each with over 400 individual cells.

When powered by green hydrogen-produced using renewable energy-the fuel cell system offers a path to carbon-dioxide-free mobility, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Project leader Cornelie Bansch said the achievement marks a key step in commissioning the test facility. She noted the technical complexity, as systems of this scale are not yet commercially available.

The BALIS test field at the E2U Empfingen Development Centre allows researchers to examine everything from individual components to full powertrains, supporting future zero-emission transport.

Ms Bansch added that the team is developing advanced operating strategies to run the system stably over long periods and eventually simulate dynamic real-world power profiles.

Global efforts to develop next-generation fuel cells continue. Kyushu University researchers in Japan have created a solid-oxide fuel cell that operates at 300C, while West Virginia University engineers developed a protonic ceramic electrochemical cell that stores and generates electricity and hydrogen.