Elhytec is developing a new approach to hydrogen storage and supply, based on a breakthrough process, to make local hydrogen autonomy safer and economically viable
Why now: autonomy has become critical
The demand for energy and operational autonomy is intensifying, particularly for isolated or poorly connected sites, critical infrastructures, and defense or scientific operations in constrained environments.
The challenges:
- Reducing dependence on heavy and vulnerable logistics chains
- Replacing fossil molecules historically easy to store and distribute
- Securing energy supply in intermittent or constrained environments
Hydrogen autonomy
Hydrogen lies at the heart of this transformation, on two levels.
On the one hand, as a gas with unique properties (chemical, thermal, lightness), it enables specific applications that require simple, autonomous, and ideally decarbonized access.
On the other hand, as an energy vector, it is a key element for conversion and coupling between gas, heat, and electricity, for long-duration storage, and for the decarbonization of energy systems.
In theory, hydrogen addresses these challenges: it can be produced locally, from available resources, in a decarbonized way.
In practice, access remains complex. Conventional on-site production solutions (traditional electrolysis combined with high-pressure storage) remain costly, rigid, and technically demanding. For many users, they appear poorly suited to intermittent needs, limited-scale applications, or requirements for flexibility.
Elhytec: simplifying access to hydrogen
Elhytec develops a hydrogen storage and generation module designed for uses and configurations where autonomy is decisive and delivers immediate operational value.
The offer targets three families of needs:
1.Decentralized hydrogen gas consumption (medium industry, hydrogenation, balloon inflation…)
Need:
Generate hydrogen on-site with guaranteed availability, without heavy logistical dependence and without technological complexity.
Solution advantages:
- Simplified supply logistics
- Secured supply and cost control
- Opportunistic valorization of excess electricity
2.Storage for guaranteed power supply (back-up, isolated sites…)
Need:
Ensure clean and dispatchable electricity supply.
Solution advantages:
- Long-duration autonomy
- Intrinsic safety
- Optimized Capex and maintenance costs
3.Access to pressurized hydrogen for critical missions (long endurance drones…)
Need:
Dramatically increase (x4) energy autonomy compared to batteries, thanks to hydrogen.
Solution advantages:
- High-pressure hydrogen delivery without a compressor
- Mobility
- Robustness and safety
See Target Applications
Application focus: meteorological balloon inflation
The Elhytec storage-generator is specifically suited for meteorological balloon inflation, replacing H₂ or He cylinders with a solution that:
- Guarantees gas availability
- Secures operations: no stored gas, hydrogen generated on demand
- Ensures short filling times
- Enables operation on isolated or lightly equipped sites
→ The reference solution for balloon launch sites
Elhytec and its Technology
What makes the difference: a unique technology “decoupled electrolysis”
At the core of Elhytec’s solution lies a patented process that “decouples water electrolysis.”
This cyclic process separates electricity consumption from on-demand hydrogen generation by creating an intermediate storage phase that is stable and safe.
It provides a simpler, more robust, and more economical solution than conventional value chains (electrolysis + compression + high-pressure storage).
Decoupling enhances safety and flexibility while enabling simpler and more cost-efficient industrial architectures.
A new way to access hydrogen: local, safe, without complexity.
Elhytec: a vision behind the technology
Elhytec’s approach is driven by founders and managers with strong industrial and technological experience in the fields of energy and materials.
The vision developed is a deliberate breakthrough: it builds on accumulated experience in hydrogen (electrolysis, fuel cells, storage) while proposing an approach that goes beyond existing technological frameworks.
The innovation has been recognized by the Solar Impulse label (Bertrand Piccard Foundation), which distinguishes solutions that are both environmentally impactful and economically viable. The company, classified as a DeepTech, has also been awarded the i-Lab innovation prize by Bpifrance.
