Our challenge
Power plants and heat demanding industries are responsible for 40% of the global CO2 emissions
Sources such as the sun and wind can generate an abundant amount of renewable electricity. However, this energy is not always present at the time it is needed, on the right location or in the required medium. Therefore, this energy cannot be used.
We need an energy carrier in which we can store renewable energy so that we can overcome these challenges.
Iron Fuel can be the driving force of the industry's' transition to a sustainable future
Iron Fuel can solve industry's problem by storing renewable energy in iron powder. By burning this iron powder, energy can be released when we need it and where we need it in a safe and CO2 free manner. The burned product, rust, can be regenerated back into iron fuel using renewable energy. This makes iron fuel the CO2 free, circular, safe, storable and transportable industrial fuel of the future.
Introduction to Iron Power
At its core, Iron Power embodies a circular process, seamlessly intertwining combustion and regeneration of iron powder. By harnessing the power of iron powder, we accelerate the transition to CO2-free energy, surpassing the barriers of cost and time that hinder other alternatives like nuclear power.
Iron Power represents more than just a technological advancement; it symbolizes a paradigm shift in energy production and consumption. Rooted in the Netherlands, Iron Power thrives on innovation and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable energy solutions.
Iron Power Alliance
Our alliance is more than just a collaboration; it's a commitment to reshape the energy landscape, propelling us towards a future where renewable energy reigns supreme. Together, we embark on a journey to transform traditional coal and gas-fired power plants, ranging from 500 to 1000 MW, into beacons of sustainability, resilience, and progress.
Led by our core team—TU/e, TNO, Iron+, RIFT, and Metalot—we synergize our expertise, resources, and determination to unlock the full potential of iron-based energy solutions. As pioneers of progress, we recognize the importance of starting small to dream big. That's why we're launching pilots on a smaller scale, laying the foundation for monumental change. These pilots, orchestrated by the startups within the Iron Power ecosystem, herald the dawn of a new era—one where sustainability meets scalability.
Core partners
The Iron Power program
The Iron Power program presents a comprehensive framework comprising three pillars: Research & Development, Pilots & Demos, and Innovation Infrastructure.
Research & Development (R&D)
Under the Research & Development umbrella, a diverse range of projects, categorized by theme, form the foundation for innovation within Iron Power. These projects cover a broad spectrum of typical R&D topics and serve as the bedrock for innovation and advancement within the Iron Power initiative. TU/e, TNO, and other research partners lead these projects, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in iron-based energy solutions.
Pilots & Demos
Pilots & Demos serve as the program's core, showcasing projects across various scales and value chain themes to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of Iron Power technologies. Led by Iron+ and RIFT, these initiatives provide real-world testing grounds for iron-based energy solutions, allowing for refinement and optimization before widespread implementation. From small-scale pilots to large-scale demonstrations, these projects pave the way for the future of energy production and consumption.
Innovation Infrastructure
Within the Innovation Infrastructure pillar, services are tailored to gain technology readiness levels (TRL) and ecosystem growth, offering support related to laboratories, community, talent, and funding. Metalot spearheads this effort, providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to accelerate the development and adoption of iron-based energy solutions.
Through this comprehensive approach, Iron Power strives to drive the evolution and widespread adoption of iron-based energy solutions, contributing to the transition towards a sustainable energy future.
How it works
Iron Fuel serves as a transformative energy carrier, addressing the challenges faced by power plants and heat demanding industries responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions. Sources like the sun and wind generate renewable electricity, but their intermittent nature poses challenges for consistent energy supply. Iron Fuel solves this problem by storing renewable energy in iron powder, enabling energy release when and where needed in a safe and CO2-free manner. The combustion of iron powder produces energy, with the only by-product being iron oxide, or rust. This rust is captured and regenerated back into iron fuel through reduction using renewable energy sources.
Iron powder's role in the energy transition is significant, particularly with the anticipated rise of green molecules in energy consumption by 2050. As industries transition to sustainable energy sources, iron powder offers a cost-effective solution for transport, conversion, and storage. Its safety, energy-density, efficiency, and low-cost make it ideal for long-haul transport and distribution to high-grade heat industries, thereby contributing to a sustainable energy future.
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Turning the power of iron into profit
Philip de Goey is a man on a mission. Since 2015 he has relentlessly been pushing the development of iron powder as a medium for large-scale, long-term storage of sustainable energy. ‘Over the past decade, we have built an international track record in iron power, both on an academic level and in creating business in this field. Now is the time to take the next step as a country and start capitalizing on our unique position.’ Read this interview.
Status Quo 2023
The international Iron Power Community is forming & grows fast over Europe & worldwide
NL in the lead: start-ups RIFT, IRON+, also: Fenix, Ferron Energy (an IRON+ co-venture), GH Power, FEx & Altiro founded
Metalot: non-profit knowledge center to build and support the eco-system worldwide
Foreseen Roadmap Eco-System - Where are we now and what are future steps?
Iron+ and RIFT are developing pilots of 1-20 MW.
Conceptual & basic design studies of large (500 MW-1GW) coal/gas boiler retrofit.
Ecosystem & Partnerships
Iron Power serves as a nexus, forging connections with R&D partners, Pilots & Demos collaborators, infrastructure developers, customers, members, and stakeholders. This collaborative ecosystem fuels innovation, fosters synergies, and propels the Iron Power initiative forward.
The Iron Power Alliance actively seeks partners eager to join, express support, or engage in ongoing dialogue about the program. Together, we lay the groundwork for a sustainable energy future, driven by innovation, collaboration, and shared vision.
Please reach out to [xx] [xx] for more information.
Iron Power Core Team
Student Team
Acknowledgements
This research has received funding from:
- the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme Grant agreement No. 884916
- the Dutch Research Council (NWO) Grant agreement No. 17688
- the China Scholarship Council (CSC) Grant agreement 201806160050
- Op-Zuid (stimulus) Grant agreement No. PROJ-02594
- Province Noord-Brabant Grant agreements No. C2255267/4615563 and C2236274/4446537
- European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the CoEC project, grant agreement No 952181
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Visiting address
Iron Power ConsortiumGemini-ZBuilding number Building number 15Groene Loper5612 AE Eindhoven