The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Its approximately 1,400 employees work toward a sustainable, economical, safe, and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. The institute’s research focuses on energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies, and global collaborations, the institute is shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.
In its four areas of photovoltaics, electricity, heat and buildings, and hydrogen technologies, the institute develops materials, components, systems, and processes. An excellent laboratory infrastructure is available for this purpose. It also conducts analyses, studies, and consulting services. The institute’s range of services also includes testing and certification procedures.
In the area of ​​hydrogen technologies, employees focus on the development and scientific analysis of PEM fuel cell systems, low-temperature electrolysis technologies (e.g., PEM, AEM), and electrochemical compressors. In addition, catalysts, reactors, and concepts for hydrogen-based synthetic fuels and industrial raw materials are being developed and analyzed. This work is complemented by technical systems analysis, which analyzes international supply chains, regional hydrogen ecosystems, hydrogen infrastructure, the respective technology integration, and the interplay of these building blocks from a technical, economic, and ecological perspective.