The Next Big Thing: Metal Powder Power Plants

The idea of burning metal for power or even propulsion has been around for a long time.  In fact, thermite is a mixture of iron oxide and aluminum powder. Solid fuel rockets use metal powder as well.

So it's not a stretch to ask if metal powder, in particular, iron, could be used to generate power.  And now we find out Holland is working on this.

The technology, however, is still in its infancy. It currently generates 20 kilowatts (kW) of power in a single cycle, which is as much as a domestic boiler. Industrial applications would require at least 80 megawatts (MW) – 4,000 times as much. This summer, the process is expected to hit 100 kW.

“We want to show that the energy transition is achievable and that we can overcome today’s energy problems,” Ruyters affirms, and companies such as Shell and Uniper, two of a total of ten backers of the project, have been infected by this optimism. The North Brabant region is also subsidising the project, and in future the scientists will also be working at the local innovation and research centre Metalot.

And the real beauty of the process is that the iron oxide can be converted BACK into iron. The idea is to use solar energy, when it is available to convert the iron oxide.  Here is a copy of the illustration from the website:

Of course, the reasons they are doing this is not because we may run out of natural gas or to wean themselves off of Russian natural gas due to conflicts of loyalties with Western Powers.  No, their reason is to help fight Global Warming.

Personally, I find the idea appalling and disgusting.  But, ok, be that as it may.  I like the idea of having an alternative path for power.  And especially for the reasons I mentioned above. Western Europe has found itself drifting toward alliances with powers that don't have their best interests at heart.  Metal Powder power plants will give them back their independence.