The Dutch Maritime Knowledge Centre (MKC), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA) will start preliminary research into the applicability of iron as a marine fuel.
In 2018, the TU/e Solid student team demonstrated that iron is a promising alternative to fossil fuel with a 20 kW proof of concept.
No CO2, Nox or Particulate Emissions
Because iron powder combustion does not emit CO2, NOx or particulates, it offers an excellent perspective for achieving the 2030/2050 emission targets of the Paris climate agreement, particularly with regard to industrial application and transport.
Waste Product Can Be Recycled
The only waste product is iron oxide/rust powder. By subsequently regenerating this powder with hydrogen (H2) into iron powder, a cycle is created. And if this hydrogen is made from green electricity (obtained from wind turbines, solar panels, etc.), the possibility arises to store and transport this fluctuating (in capacity) green energy source (under atmospheric conditions) in iron oxide.
High Energy Density
Because of its relatively high energy density, iron also seems extremely interesting for ship applications. This is particularly interesting in light of the recent IMO agreement to reduce maritime CO2 emissions by at least 50% by 2050.
Scaling up and Application in Industry
The next step is a scaled-up a demonstration project of 100 kW and its integration in an industrial process. The TU/e will act as project leader and Team Solid as project partner. The first phase, the scaling up, will take place at the Campus Metalot near Eindhoven.
For the second phase of application, a suitable industrial company sought and found during the 'Metalot Meet' in Eindhoven in February this year. There, an agreement was reached with Swinkels Family Brewers (formerly Bavaria NV). This will be the first industrial application in the world of iron as a fuel in an industrial process, whereby steam is produced for the brewing process.
MIIP Iron as a Marine Fuel
After Team Solid revealed its research at the end of 2018, the MKC immediately realised it held potential for maritime application. In consultation with project partners, the MKC then drew up a proposal for an exploratory study within the framework of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy supported Maritime Innovation Impulse Projects (MIIP) scheme of "Nederland Maritiem Land" (NML). The subsidy has now been granted and it was possible to start 1 March 2019.
The MIIP Iron as a Marine Fuel ("IJzer als brandstof voor schepen") is led by the MKC and will be supervised by a sounding board group, consisting of industrial parties and shipowners.
People looking for more information on the project can contact the Caspar Kramers at the MKC.
Picture: The iron cycle (by Team Solid).
