In an ambitious initiative to foster circular energy solutions, the Province of Brabant is set to invest one million euros into ‘Metal Power,’ a significant development that leverages iron powder as a renewable energy source. The industrial application project, collaborating with the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), will be stationed at Metalot in Budel Dorplein.
TU/e has been investigating the potential of metal powder combustion for years, leading to a promising technology that offers an eco-friendly alternative for energy generation. Iron powder, when combusted, produces substantial heat, which can be effectively utilized in various industrial processes, such as steam production, while also holding the potential to replace coal in power stations and serve as fuel for heavy transport. A closed-loop process is envisioned, where the resultant rust powder from combustion can be reprocessed into metal powder using renewable energy, thereby completing a sustainable energy cycle.
The journey from laboratory experiments to practical application involves scaling up, as emphasized by Philip de Goey, dean of Mechanical Engineering at TU/e and chairman of Metalot3C. The province’s investment supports the development of a large-scale demonstration system aimed at showcasing the viability of iron powder as a robust alternative energy source.
The research council anticipates a two-year testing phase for the project, which boasts a total budget of €2.4 million. Contributions from the business sector complement provincial funding, with both in-kind support and monetary investments. The collaborative effort extends to the academic community, engaging both students and researchers in the exploration of metal fuels. Team SOLID, composed of TU/e students, plays a pivotal role, working alongside small and medium-sized enterprises to advance the technology and address logistical, promotional, and socio-economic factors.
Anne-Marie Spierings, the province’s Commissioner for Energy, highlights the initiative as a strategic move toward enriching knowledge in energy storage and advancing CO2-free fuel options. The Metal Power demonstration system marks the inauguration of the Metalot campus, a hub dedicated to innovation in energy and metals, combining research, enterprise, and education. Among the partners contributing to the project’s realization are regional SMEs, alongside substantial corporate players committed to innovation and sustainability.
