A startup project at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is developing a new method to produce green hydrogen.
The company, called Photreon, has created special panels that do not need electricity or a grid connection. These panels use sunlight and water to produce hydrogen in a simple and cost-effective way.
The team plans to present this technology at Hannover Messe from April 20 to 24, 2026. Visitors can see the system at the KIT booth in Hall 11. The showcase aims to attract the attention of industries seeking cleaner energy options.
Green hydrogen plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions. However, current methods for producing it are expensive and often rely on complex infrastructure. Photreon aims to remove these barriers with a simpler and more direct approach.
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The company replaces traditional electrolysis systems with its own photoreactor panels. These panels do not need external electricity to function. Instead, they directly convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Co-founder Paul Kant explains that the system skips the usual step of generating electricity first. He says the panels turn sunlight and water directly into hydrogen. This approach reduces both cost and system complexity.
The core technology behind the panels is called photocatalysis. In this process, light activates special materials that trigger a chemical reaction. These materials help split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Maren Cordts, another co-founder, says the system works in one simple step. She explains that the panels replace both solar panels and electrolyzers at once. This makes the entire setup easier to build and operate.
The panel’s design also plays a key role in its performance. It guides sunlight deep into the reactor, improving efficiency. This ensures that the active materials receive enough light to drive the reaction.
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The team has already built a one-square-meter prototype. It shows how light, chemical reactions, and gas removal work together in the system. The results suggest the technology can scale up effectively.
KIT has filed a patent for this photoreactor design. The panels are built using standard manufacturing methods and low-cost materials. This makes them suitable for mass production.
One of the biggest advantages of the system is its flexibility. It can be used on rooftops or expanded into large solar farms. This allows both small businesses and large industries to adopt the technology.
The panels are especially useful in areas without strong grid connections. Companies can produce hydrogen on-site rather than rely on transport. This reduces both cost and logistical challenges.
Industries like food processing, chemicals, and metalworking may benefit from this system. They often need hydrogen but face supply issues. Local production can solve many of these problems.
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Cordts says the technology opens new possibilities for remote regions. It allows hydrogen production even where there is no infrastructure. This could support both local use and global energy markets.
The startup believes its system can support the future hydrogen economy. Lowering costs and simplifying production make green hydrogen more accessible. This may help speed up the shift to cleaner energy worldwide.
