The Netherlands – Researchers Xiaocheng Mi and Giulia Finotello from TU/e and EIRES embark on a project funded by NWO’s Open Technology Programme, aiming to revolutionize the energy landscape through the widespread adoption of metal powders as renewable energy carriers.
The project addresses the need for a continuous energy supply amidst the intermittent nature of renewable sources like wind and solar. By harnessing the potential of iron powder as a circular carrier of renewable energy, the researchers seek to bridge this gap and accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
Central to the project is the development of the Metal-enabled Cycle of Renewable Energy (MeCRE), which hinges on the efficient production and utilization of iron powder. Iron powder offers advantages such as high energy density, carbon-free properties, and recyclability, positioning it as a promising solution for storing and transporting renewable energy.
Sustainable practices
The successful implementation of MeCRE could revolutionize the way society stores and distributes renewable energy. By optimizing powder production methods and evaluating material properties, the project aims to provide a roadmap for selecting the most suitable iron-powder feedstocks for circular energy use.
By leveraging interdisciplinary expertise and industry collaborations, researchers aim to propel the development of MeCRE and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
