National Research Council of Canada (NRC)

National Research Council Canada (NRC), Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI): (NRC) is working in partnership with industry, university and government stakeholders to build fuel cell technology clusters across Canada and to support the innovation needs of Canadian fuel cell companies. Strategic research is aimed at advancing fuel cell science and technology and fa-cilitating the commercialisation of fuel cells. A multidisciplinary team of over 60 researchers, all focused on fuel cell research, provide advice and expertise to stakeholders. Hydrogen-ready labs and environmental chamber, Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) characterization and fabri-cation facility, fuel cell test stations and specialized equipment is used to support the NRC Re-search Program as well as the needs of Canadian fuel cell companies. There is exchange of peo-ple and large-scale strategic initiatives and demonstration projects. Concerning the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) the research is aimed at improving durability and lowering costs by reducing operating temperatures and system complexity. The program is focused on developing next gen-eration cells and stacks that permit direct oxidation of practical hydrocarbon fuels containing sulphur and other impurities.