Metal fuels: New sustainable energy carrier for decarbonization

Metal fuels, specifically in the form of micron-sized powders, such as aluminium, iron and magnesium, are being recognized as an emerging and potential zero-carbon energy carrier for various applications. They offer high energy density with a high energy-to-mass ratio and when combusted, only produce metal oxides and heat, without releasing carbon dioxide. The metal oxides can be reduced back into their metallic form using renewable energy sources, such as solar power or hydrogen produced from electrolysis. This closed-loop regeneration ensures the sustainability of the metal fuel cycle.

Nottingham Trent University is working together with two Canadian research institutions with high reputation to propose innovative application of metal fuels as renewable energy carriers for industrial decarbonization. Challenges to be addressed within the project include efficient and stable combustion mechanism study, sustainable regeneration of metal oxides using solar power and hydrogen, cost evaluation and scalability study by techno-economic analysis, and the environmental impacts by life cycle assessment.

We are looking for partners or a consortium to co-develop this project idea as one of the renewable energy carriers options. The interested calls are: HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-TWIN-TRANSITION-32 Green and resilient flexible production processes; HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-TWIN-TRANSITION-33   Integrated use of renewable energy carriers in industrial sites; HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-TWIN-TRANSITION-34 Smart integration of net zero technologies into Energy Intensive industries.