Iron powder could help transform old coal power plants into a source of climate-neutral electricity, according to a new study from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Researchers found that this recyclable fuel could help keep Europe’s power supply stable during extended periods of weak wind and sunlight, particularly in regions where other forms of energy storage are limited.
The process relies on a cycle in which iron powder is burned to generate heat, producing iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Hydrogen produced using renewable energy can then remove the oxygen from the iron oxide, restoring the metal so it can be used again. “This works in a cycle that emits no carbon dioxide or environmentally harmful substances,” said Julia Schuler from KIT’s Institute for Industrial Production (IIP).
One potential advantage is that iron powder could be used in existing coal power plants without replacing all their equipment. “When burned, iron powder behaves very much like coal. We wanted to find out whether it was possible to repurpose existing coal power plants to iron-firing,” said Schuler.
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