Since 2021, DR Fuel Cell has been participating in seven major R&D projects led by government ministries such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), and the Ministry of Environment (MOE), developing next-generation hydrogen production technologies. We consistently invest over KRW 1 billion annually in R&D, aiming to execute a total of KRW 7 billion in government projects and attract KRW 8 billion in private investment by 2028.
In the Safety Verification sector, we verified the safety of fuel cells integrated with hydrogen extractors for public buildings under a KETEP project. We completed the development of flame detection systems, flue gas combustion devices, and precise risk assessments, securing proven technologies commercialized for domestic fuel cell system manufacturers.
In the Smart Module Development sector, we developed hydrogen generator modules optimized for building fuel cells through the MSS Purchase-Conditional New Product Development Program. We realized an intelligent control system with load adjustment and a fully integrated BOP design. Prototypes ranging from 1kW to 50kW have been produced and are currently undergoing verification with major fuel cell manufacturers.
In the Clean Hydrogen Technology sector, we are researching turquoise hydrogen production and continuous carbon material manufacturing through a KEIT project. This innovative technology simultaneously produces hydrogen and high-value carbon materials (carbon black, graphene, etc.) via methane pyrolysis without CO₂ emissions. We aim to build a pilot plant by 2027 and present a new paradigm for carbon-neutral hydrogen production.
In the Biogas Utilization sector, supported by the MOE Eco-Startup Program, we developed direct biogas reforming technology, securing capabilities for sulfur and silicon compound removal and catalyst poisoning prevention. We are preparing for verification at actual biogas plants and aim to contribute to the circular economy by applying this to sewage and food waste treatment facilities nationwide.
In the Ammonia Cracker sector, through the MSS Global Cooperation R&D Project, we developed an ammonia fuel cell system for marine and power generation use, completing a 1kW prototype. We laid the foundation for entering the European market through joint research with Fraunhofer ISE in Germany. We are targeting the development of a commercial system by 2026 in cooperation with marine fuel cell companies such as Doosan DMI.
•Mass production of NG-based hydrogen generator modules
•Completion of direct biogas reforming process development
•Commercialization of 1kW-class ammonia cracker system
•Commercialization & expansion of biogas-H2 modules
•Development of 50Nm³-class large-capacity systems
•Entry into procurement market & supply of proprietary fuel cell systems
•Next-gen ammonia cracker with Pre-Heater application
•Global market expansion & sales network establishment
•Strengthening global R&D infra (e.g., Fraunhofer ISE)
•Commercialization of turquoise hydrogen & carbon materials
Hydrocarbon-based Hydrogen Generation Technology
•Supervisor: MOTIE, KETEP
•Project: Renewable Energy Core Technology Demonstration Project
•Period: 2021–Present
•Core Content: Safety verification of NG-based hydrogen extractors & demonstration in public buildings
•Key Achievements: Completed precision risk assessment, explosion-proof evaluation, and commercialization
•Tech Features: Flame detection system, flue gas combustion device, emergency safety system
•Supervisor: MSS, TIPA
•Project: Purchase-Conditional New Product Development Program
•Period: 2022–2025
•Core Content: Development of smart modules optimized for building fuel cells
•Key Achievements: Production of 1–10kW prototypes, ongoing verification with major companies
•Tech Features: Smart load control, full BOP integration, AOG utilization optimization
•Supervisor: MOTIE, KIER (Korea Institute of Energy Research)
•Project: Success-based Deferred Payment SME Support Program
•Period: 2022–2025
•Core Content: Optimal integration technology for hydrogen generators and fuel cell stacks
•Key Achievements: Fabrication of WGS reactor prototype, stack integration testing in progress
•Tech Features: Integrated control, CO reduction (under 10ppm), system efficiency over 85%
•Supervisor: MOTIE, KEIT (Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology)
•Project: Development of Turquoise Hydrogen Production & Continuous Carbon Material Manufacturing Technology
•Period: 2024–2027
•Core Content: Carbon-free hydrogen production via methane pyrolysis & high-value carbon material manufacturing
•Key Achievements: Basic reactor design completed, catalyst screening in progress
•Tech Features: Zero CO₂ emissions, Carbon Black/Graphene production, CCUS application
•Goal: Construction of pilot plant by 2027
Biogas & Ammonia-based Hydrogen Extraction Technology
•Supervisor: MOE, KEITI (Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute)
•Project: Eco-Startup Support Program
•Period: 2023–2025
•Core Content: Clean hydrogen production via direct biogas reforming
•Key Achievements: Fabrication of direct reforming reactor prototype, preparing for demonstration
•Tech Features: Sulfur compound removal, prevention of catalyst poisoning, all-in-one container system
•Market Application: Integration with sewage treatment plants, food waste & livestock manure treatment facilities
•Supervisor: MSS, TIPA
•Project: Global Cooperation R&D Support Program
•Period: 2023–2026
•Core Content: Integrated ammonia fuel cell system for marine & power generation
•Key Achievements: Fabrication of 1kW-class cracker prototype, joint research with Fraunhofer ISE
•Tech Features: Electric heater catalyst type, Pre-Heater, 99% decomposition efficiency, NOx minimization
•Partners: Fraunhofer ISE (Germany), Doosan DMI, Hanwha Ocean
Global Commercialization & Multi-Fuel Technology
•Supervisor: MSS, TIPA
•Project: TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup) R&D
•Period: 2022–2025
•Core Content: Development of multi-fuel compatible hydrogen extractors for global market expansion
•Key Achievements: Attracted Pre-A investment, completed PoC with Fraunhofer ISE, international certification in progress
•Tech Features: Compatible with Natural Gas, LPG, Biogas, Ammonia, e-Methanol; IoT remote monitoring, AI predictive maintenance
•Export Strategy: Europe (German branch), Asia (Shipbuilders), Middle East (Natural gas regions)