Ultra-light hydrogen tanks for emission-free mobility

April 21, 2026

A Swiss start-up has developed ultra-lightweight high-pressure tanks made from recyclable thermoplastic composite materials for storing hydrogen and other gases. Thanks to their slim, flexible design, the tanks can be integrated particularly well into complex structures such as vehicle floors, aircraft fuselages or drones and enable longer ranges and more payload.

The tanks are based on an optimized carbon fibre architecture and a material-efficient, recyclable design. Compared to conventional pressurized tanks, they are up to 40% lighter and achieve a storage efficiency of up to 10% compared to around 6% for conventional solutions. The technology allows for long, slim cylinder geometries (lengths of up to 10 m), which can be better integrated into existing systems and in some cases can also take on load-bearing functions. Prototypes have achieved burst pressures of up to 1400 bar and successful pressure cycle tests (15,000 cycles) without damage.

The solution is particularly suitable for weight-sensitive and space-critical applications. These include space travel (e.g. satellites), drones and light aviation, portable devices with fuel cells, cars and commercial vehicles through to buses and trucks. The technology also offers advantages in gas transportation, for example in tube trailers or containers, where the volume of gas transported can be increased many times over thanks to lighter high-pressure tanks.

Advantages and innovations
The technology enables a significantly higher storage capacity with reduced weight and improved integration into existing systems. The recyclable materials and efficient design contribute to sustainability and cost reduction. In addition, the metal-free design allows the tanks to be used in demanding areas such as aerospace. The tanks can also take on additional structural functions, making them particularly attractive for applications where weight and installation space are crucial.
The technology is at a development stage of TRL 5-6 and is already available as a prototype. The aim is to develop it to market maturity (TRL 7-8), including certification. Patents have been granted in the EU, Japan, China and India; one patent is pending in the USA.

Requests for partners and forms of cooperation
The aimis further development to market maturity (TRL 7-8), including certification.
Industrial partners are sought from the fields of aerospace, UAVs and aviation, road vehicles, gas transportation and portable applications.
- Customer partners should define requirements, integrate the tanks into their systems, carry out tests and support the market launch.
- Investor partners will finance further development, demonstrators and scaling as well as provide strategic support.
A combination of both roles is possible and expressly desired.

For further information, please contact us quoting the reference number TRCH20260330003.