One aspect of energy storage includes storing renewably generated electricity in batteries. Fraunhofer ISE investigates both stationary and mobile battery systems. With the growing share of renewable energy, there is an increasing need for a demand-led control of supply and demand in the grid. Here hydrogen generated by electrolysis with renewable power – and a sustainable mobility concept – have a central role. For four years, Fraunhofer ISE has been operating a solar hydrogen refueling station as research platform that includes several fuel cell vehicles.

Also, technologies for the thermal energy storage of solar energy at different temperature levels are being investigated and optimized: from storage systems in buildings up to systems using solar-generated steam to generate electricity in large solar thermal power plants.
Not least, we develop intelligent materials for hot and cold storage.