Photoncycle secures €15M Series A for hydrogen storage push
Norwegian energy storage scale-up Photoncycle has raised €15 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate commercialisation of its solid-state, hydrogen-based seasonal storage system. The company aims to provide long-duration, zero-emission energy storage that can balance fluctuating renewable energy supply throughout the year.
Solid-state hydrogen for seasonal energy storage
Photoncycle is developing a system that converts surplus electricity from sources such as solar power and wind power into hydrogen, which is then stored in a solid-state medium. This approach is designed to overcome the limitations of conventional batteries, which are typically suited to short-term storage measured in hours or days rather than seasons.
The company’s technology targets one of the hardest challenges in the energy transition: how to store large amounts of clean energy from summer to winter without relying on fossil fuels. By using a compact, solid storage material instead of compressed gas tanks, Photoncycle seeks to improve safety, reduce space requirements, and cut overall system costs.
Commercialisation and market focus
The new capital will be used to move from pilot projects to full commercial deployment, including scaling manufacturing, expanding engineering teams, and securing regulatory approvals in key markets. Photoncycle is initially focused on residential and small commercial applications, positioning its system as a backbone for low-carbon heating and power in regions with high seasonal demand swings.
Supporting grid stability and decarbonisation
By offering long-duration storage, the company’s solution can help stabilise electricity grids with high shares of variable renewables, reduce dependence on imported gas, and support national decarbonisation targets. Industry observers see solid-state hydrogen storage as a promising complement to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for colder climates and off-grid communities.
The €15 million Series A round underscores growing investor confidence in advanced energy storage technologies that can unlock deeper penetration of renewables and enable a more resilient, low-carbon energy system.