Zero-emission iron fuel for clean heat

Could iron powder replace fossil fuels in industrial processes?

Spotted: Heat – in the varied forms we use it across homes, commerce, and industry – accounts for half of the world’s total energy consumption. Industry takes up by far the biggest slice of this, clocking in at 50 per cent of all heat usage. Tackling these emissions is especially challenging, as most clean energy solutions struggle with the scale, cost, or practicality of adoption. But one Dutch company is exploring an unexpected alternative: iron powder as a sustainable and carbon-free fuel source.

RIFT’s technology harnesses iron’s ability to burn without emitting carbon dioxide. Iron powder is burned in a boiler to generate heat, and as it combusts, it leaves behind rust. In a circular twist, the rust is then re-converted back into iron using hydrogen, making the process sustainable and repeatable. This method not only allows for high-efficiency heat production but also offers grid-independent energy storage, as iron powder can be easily stored and transported, unlike some other clean energy carriers.

What makes this approach stand out is its potential to operate independently of major infrastructure investments. “Our Iron Fuel Technology uses iron powder as a cost-effective, safe, grid-independent, and carbon-free energy carrier,” explains Mark Verhagen, CEO and co-founder. By working with industrial sites directly, the system is built to be compatible with existing heating infrastructure, allowing companies to replace fossil fuels with minimal modifications. The innovation could provide a ‘plug-and-play’ approach to decarbonisation, especially appealing to industries that find it challenging to access a consistent supply of electricity or hydrogen.

Currently in the proof-of-concept stage, the technology has two operational plants in the Netherlands. With the help of recent funding from investors including Invest-NL and PGGM, the company plans to complete final operational tests and scale toward a commercial pilot project in the coming years. This ambitious expansion aims to impact up to 500 households by supplying them with heat generated from iron powder. If successful, this technology could save an estimated one gigatonne of CO2 annually by 2050 – a significant step forward for industrial sustainability.

Written By: Oscar Williams