McGill entrepreneurs, with the backing of the McGill Innovation Fund, are developing a revolutionary, sustainable iron-based fuel through their company, Altiro Energy. This technology promises a decarbonized, zero-emission energy production that can be reused indefinitely, potentially transforming our energy infrastructure.
A new innovation by McGill University entrepreneurs from their spinoff company Altiro Energy may herald a major shift in energy production. Their invention, supported by the prestigious McGill Innovation Fund (MIF), leverages an iron-based fuel to generate electricity with zero harmful emissions. This technology offers a renewable way to harness energy and aligns with global efforts towards decarbonization following agreements made at COP28.
Commercial scale testing
Professor Jeff Bergthorson and the co-founders of Altiro Energy, Samson Bowen-Bronet and Martin Aralov, are now preparing to move beyond laboratory success to the next crucial phase – commercial-scale testing. The potential of their metal fuel technology lies in its sustainability, efficiency, and practical integration with existing energy infrastructure.
Altiro’s iron-based fuel stands apart because it can be ‘recharged’ by converting rust back into pure iron using green energy. With the ability to store energy without the self-discharging limitations of batteries, this technology could bridge the gap in energy storage, harnessing the fluctuating production of renewable sources like solar and wind power.
Despite the environmental costs of iron mining, the founders believe this is substantially balanced by the endless recyclability of iron powder as a fuel. Altiro’s innovation offers an eco-friendly option for the heavy industry and could play a critical role in moving towards a cleaner future.
The MIF has been pivotal in Altiro’s journey, not only financially but also in terms of credibility and connections. With strong support and clear results, the company seeks to partner with industrial entities and demonstrate the practical application of their iron fuel technology.
