Norway's hydrogen energy system to store summer solar power for winters

Norwegian startup Photoncycle has raised USD 17.5 million (EUR 15 million) in Series A funding to develop a seasonal solid-state hydrogen energy storage system that enables homes to store excess solar power generated in summer for use during winter. This technology addresses the critical challenge of long-duration, seasonal energy storage in renewable systems. The system, designed for distributed, household-level use, aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels for heating, cut household energy bills, and enhance energy independence through a subscription model that includes solar panels, storage, servicing, and access to energy trading markets. Photoncycle plans to commercially launch the system first in Denmark and the Netherlands, with a manufacturing plant targeted to be operational by 2027, capable of providing seasonal storage for approximately 140,000 homes. The funding round was led by NordicNinja and Voima Ventures, with participation from other investors, supporting the initial phase of a planned expansion to a 1.4 terawatt-hour annual energy storage manufacturing