Norwegian energy startup Photoncycle has secured €15 million in Series A funding to scale its breakthrough solid hydrogen storage technology. The round was led by NordicNinja and Voima Ventures, with participation from existing investors including Lifeline Ventures and Eviny Ventures. The technology stores surplus solar energy from rooftop panels in buried cylindrical containers for winter use.

Until now, long-term residential energy storage remained technically challenging. Photoncycle's solid hydrogen solution offers a cheaper alternative to batteries since it doesn't require precious metals. The technology aims to make households self-sufficient and less vulnerable to volatile gas markets and seasonal price spikes. Manufacturing will scale up with deployment starting in Denmark before expanding to other European markets.

The investment comes amid Europe's ongoing energy crisis, with the EU importing €396 billion in fossil fuels in 2025. In Denmark, where Photoncycle has a growing waiting list, 300,000 homes still rely on gas heating systems targeted for phase-out by 2035. The company plans commercial rollout in 2027, targeting 1.4 TWh of annual storage capacity.