HyTrA (Hydrogen Tryout Areal) is a project to develop and field-test a hydrogen-based microgrid (HyGrid) for decentralised, grid-independent power supply — particularly for the requirements of African markets.
The system combines photovoltaics, electrolysis to produce green hydrogen, storage and reconversion to electricity via fuel cells. It aims to replace diesel generators as a loud and emission-intensive back-up power solution.
Under real-world conditions, the technical viability and economic feasibility of such microgrids were demonstrated. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and coordinated at Fraunhofer IWU.
