In developing a research program centerd on the molecular chemistry of renewable energy, we are pursuing new catalysts for the direct photochemical production of energy rich species such as H2 from H2O or hydrohalic acids. We are designing new porphyrinoid architectures that are capable of engendering a multielectron reactivity. This represents a major advancement over typical porphyrin architectures, which only allow for single electron reactivity. Through rational design, we seek to overcome the kinetic barriers of small-molecule activation while driving energy-storing endothermic reactions via the direct input of solar energy.