Retrospect on Metalot@work; Large Scale Applications of IronPower

Metalot organized a very special Metalot@work session at the Future Energy Lab in Budel at March 20th, 2024 under the title “Large Scale Applications of Iron Power”.

In this session the vision was presented how IronPower can contribute to the acceleration of the energy transition in terms of controllable emission free energy and also large scale energy import and storage.

Professor Philip de Goey opened with a warm welcome and introduction of the day. In former sessions we discussed research, start-ups, pilot plants and market development. We showed actual Iron flames and working pilot plants. We have been producing steam for the Bavaria brewery and district heating systems, for instance. New improved and larger scale pilot plants are being build as we speak and TRL levels are increasing! And IronPower is getting Global!

In the media an increasing conscience is noted for the need of large scale CO2 free controllable energy generation to compensate the absence of increasing installed wind power as well as the enormous grid bottlenecks. Even nucleair plants are discussed in the political arena. So why not convert exiting assets to IronPower?

Aris Blankenspoor explained the conceptual study we intent to execute in the National Growth Fund application for a large scale retrofit. Presented is what to prepare to convert a large scale power plant to IronPower at expected relatively low CAPEX cost. Beneficial to a performed study is also the learnings from experienced operators and feedback to research and start ups. Expected is to execute the conceptual study on real assets and in cooperation with partners e.g. Uniper, ArcelorMittal and Engie.

Professor Golombok from company Shell, presented the results of an already executed technical feasibility study for a conversion and already discovered technical possibilities and also challenges that we have to overcome.

During the break the Metalot board, Raoul Voeten, handed over a reward to Mike Golombok and Aris Blankenspoor to express the thanks for being a IronPower ambassador for many years.

The Canadian company GH Power and the Carlton university showcased an innovative technology to convert waste streams by the use of wet oxidation to high quality aluminium feedstock and heat. Doing so creating value and a profitable business case. How persistence and creativity can bring succes!

Last but not least Reginald Deolet of ArcelorMittal presented thoughts with regards to the sourcing of IronPower. Several ideas to use low cost waste streams from the green steel production have been elaborated. Very important to have the input side of our common technology secured in terms of production and import.

The Metalot at work session “Large Scale Applications” was exiting to join, as shown by the many questions and lively discusion with the audience.