Abstract: An element having an electrically adjustable thermal emissivity for infrared radiation has the following layer structure: forward IR-transparent substrate; function layer whose reflectivity for IR radiation can be changed by the embedding of hydrogen; anhydrous IR-absorptive proton conductor layer;hydrogen storage layer; and electrode layer. The surface whose emissivity is to be controlled, is covered with one or more elements according to the invention, which are electrically connected with one another and can be wired in the form of strings or arrays.