Germany advances hydrogen production with record solar‑to‑hydrogen efficiency and new salt‑based storage

Scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have demonstrated a prototype that directly converts sunlight into hydrogen with a solar‑to‑hydrogen efficiency of 31.3%. The system couples high‑efficiency III‑V solar cells with a Fresnel‑lens concentrator and two PEM electrolyzer cells, achieving the conversion in a single step without intermediate energy losses. The outdoor test used a 64 cm² lens area and is seen as a potential step toward commercial renewable‑hydrogen production, with the researchers seeking investors to launch a spin‑off company, Clearsun Energy.

In a separate pilot in Laage, Germany, AKROS Energy GmbH showcased an aqueous potassium‑bicarbonate salt solution that chemically binds hydrogen for safe, low‑pressure storage and on‑demand release. The process operates below 30 bar and releases hydrogen at about 60 °C, handling roughly 3 kg of hydrogen per hour. Partners Evonik Industries and Siemens support the project, which is preparing a larger 100 kg/h plant and has secured a first customer intending to import hydrogen from the Middle East.