Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Booth number: E58a
www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en
About us
As a sustainable energy carrier, hydrogen offers enormous potential for the global energy system of the future: it stores renewable energies and enables them to be traded globally.
For over 30 years, we have been supporting the development of climate-neutral industrial processes and sustainable mobility with the development of hydrogen technologies.
Our core competence lies in the development, production and characterization of catalytically active components. In hydrogen production, our focus is on electrolysis using proton exchange membranes (PEM) and anion exchange membranes (AEM). Furthermore, we focus our research on membrane fuel cells – especially for the mobility sector. Using thermochemical processes, we synthesize gaseous and liquid fuels and "green chemicals". In addition, we carry out life cycle analyses to determine the sustainability of various processes and calculate the costs of hydrogen products using techno-economic assessments.
We support our customers with highly qualified research and development services: we conduct feasibility studies, develop and test components or systems and carry out modeling, simulations and analyses from the microscale up to global energy systems. Our excellent laboratory infrastructure provides the foundation for scientifically grounded innovations.
Address
Heidenhofstr. 2
79110 Freiburg
Germany
E-mail: info@ise.fraunhofer.de
Phone: +49 761 4588-0
Internet: www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en
Products & Services
Fraunhofer ISE focus on innovative solutions and product developments in the fields of Production of Sustainable Synthesis Products and Analysis of Hydrogen Model Regions. Our experts look forward to presenting our multi-layered portfolio of innovations and services that support the upscaling of hydrogen technologies.
Power-to-X
Fraunhofer ISE offers a wide range of research services in the field of chemical energy storage. The researchers develop efficient PtX processes, conduct assessments of technology and potential, and provide support with customized catalysts. They are currently researching sustainable liquid fuels for aviation, as well as an innovative, sustainable power-to-ammonia process that increases the ammonia yield and reduces production costs. In addition, they have developed the patented INDIGO® process, an efficient and compact method for producing renewable DME from hydrogen and CO2, which represents an efficient and cost-effective process alternative and can also be implemented at locations with limited infrastructure.
At the World Hydrogen 2025 Fraunhofer ISE’s PtX Cube displays different hydrogen-based energy carriers in terms of their relative energy density compared to non-pressurized and compressed hydrogen.
Research and development services for:
- PtX project developers and investors
- Catalyst manufacturers
- Technology and process developers
- Plant operators
- EPC companies
The Power-to-X (PtX) concept is based on the conversion of renewable energy into liquid and gaseous fuels and chemicals such as methanol, ammonia or dimethyl ether (DME).
Hydrogen Infrastructure
The scientists use geographical information systems (GIS) to locate and analyze hydrogen model regions. Using techno-economic analyses, they develop and evaluate customized solutions for the production of clean hydrogen from renewable energies, its efficient storage and demand-oriented distribution. They prepare feasibility analyses of hydrogen projects, calculations for the design and optimization of electrolyzers, output forecasts and life cycle analyses.
At the World Hydrogen 2025 the 3D exhibit “Hydrogen Model Region” models a local, self-contained world with regional hydrogen production, distribution and storage and showcases the comprehensive expertise across the entire value chain of the department Hydrogen Technologies at Fraunhofer ISE.
Research and development services for:
Port operators / logisticians
Project planners in general
Industry in general
Public transport operators
Municipalities / cities
Optimal placement and scaling of electrolyzers: Fraunhofer ISE identifies and analyzes hydrogen model regions through geographic information systems (GIS).
CO2 Direct Air Capture
Fraunhofer ISE offers cutting-edge research services in Direct Air Capture (DAC), developing efficient and scalable CO₂ capture processes. Our researchers focus on characterizing adsorption materials, refining process efficiency, and conducting techno-economic and life cycle assessments (LCA) of DAC technologies.
At World Hydrogen 2025, Fraunhofer ISE exhibits a DAC demonstrator capable of capturing up to 0.2 kg of CO₂ per day using Temperature-Swing Adsorption (TSA) or Temperature-Vacuum-Swing Adsorption (TVSA). This technology ensures desorption of CO₂ with high purities and relies on mass-produced, robust materials, heaters, and fans, which enhance cost efficiency and scalability.
The system features zeolite for CO₂ capture and silica gel for H₂O adsorption, while also allowing the implementation of new solid materials such as amine-coated adsorbers, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), and Molecular Sieves (MOR). With short adsorption/desorption cycles and rapid heating times, the system is highly dynamic and can adapt to changing weather conditions or electricity prices within minutes.
Designed to be completely independent, it requires only electricity for venting, heating, and vacuuming, making it ideal for remote installations where no additional fluids, waste heat, or fuels are available. Additionally, it can provide water for electrolysis or biological ecosystems in dry regions, making it a versatile solution for sustainable energy and environmental applications. An automated test rig at ISE enables parallelized adsorption-desorption cycling with controlled air humidities for air flows of up to 120 kg per day, allowing for the capture of more than one kg of CO₂ daily.
Research and development services for:
DAC project developers and investors
Adsorbent and catalyst manufacturers
Technology and process developers
Industrial CO₂ utilizers and plant operators
EPC companies
