Pajarito Powder Expanded Production Capacity in Albuquerque
The company installed new equipment to increase its output of catalyst materials for fuel cells and electrolyzers.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Materials Science
Live Poll
Do you believe hydrogen fuel cell technology will lead to cheaper vehicles in the near future?
Albuquerque-based Pajarito Powder has commissioned a new industrial furnace and ball mill at its 2,500 square meter facility. The upgrade allows the company to transition from 5-kilogram to 20-kilogram production batches.
Why it matters
Scaling production enables the company to meet the specific requirements of an automotive customer. The new capacity is expected to support future cost reductions for fuel cell technology.
The firm now operates at a 20-kilogram batch capacity using infrastructure located in its 2,500 square meter facility. This shift supports the production of specialized catalyst materials for fuel cells and electrolyzers.
The players
Pajarito Powder
This Albuquerque-based company produces specialized catalyst materials for fuel cells and electrolyzers.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
The institution provides intellectual property used in the development of the company's catalyst materials.
Hyundai Motor Company
This global automotive manufacturer is listed as an investor in the Albuquerque-based materials firm.
The details
By utilizing intellectual property from both its own research and Los Alamos National Laboratory, the firm plans to produce several hundred kilograms of material annually. This infrastructure development aims to lower fuel cell costs by up to one fifth.
Timeline
October 2026: Pajarito Powder commissioned the new production equipment.
Summer 2026: CEO Christian Mohrdieck discussed long-term cost reduction goals.
Deeper Dive
This production expansion marks a significant step in the commercialization of Engineered Catalyst Supports by allowing for higher volume manufacturing. The move shifts the focus from laboratory-scale testing to industrial-level output.
The transition to larger production batches could lead to a one-fifth reduction in fuel cell costs, eventually making vehicles more affordable for consumers. This advancement helps move hydrogen-based transportation closer to widespread commercial adoption.
The takeaway
Advancements in catalyst manufacturing are crucial for reducing the price of clean energy hardware for heavy-duty trucking. As production scales, the industry is moving toward greater economic viability for hydrogen-powered technologies.
Further reading
For more information on innovations in the industry, visit the Materials Science section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by H2-international.
Live Poll
Do you believe hydrogen fuel cell technology will lead to cheaper vehicles in the near future?
