Innovative Iron-Based Hydrogen Storage Technology Pioneered by ETH Zurich Researchers
Key Ideas
  • Researchers at ETH Zurich are piloting a low-cost hydrogen storage approach using iron ore, enabling long-term storage with minimal losses.
  • The technology allows for easy procurement of raw materials, scalability through building bigger reactors, and estimated cost savings of up to ten times compared to existing methods.
  • The pilot plant on ETH Zurich's campus can store around 10MWh of hydrogen, potentially meeting a significant portion of the campus's winter electricity requirements by 2026.
  • The project is part of ETH Zurich's Coalition for Green Energy and Storage, aiming to accelerate the market adoption of innovative technologies for carbon-neutral gases and fuels.
Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland are pioneering an innovative approach to storing hydrogen using iron ore. The process involves the reaction of hydrogen with natural iron ore to extract oxygen and produce elemental iron and water, which can be stored for extended periods with minimal losses. This stored hydrogen can then be converted back into electricity or heat when needed by reversing the process. The pilot plant on the university's campus demonstrates the technical feasibility of the technology, showcasing its scalability and cost-effectiveness. The project aims to leverage solar power in the summer to produce and store clean hydrogen for winter use, potentially meeting a significant portion of the campus's electricity needs by 2026. The technology offers advantages such as easy procurement of raw materials, scalability, and estimated cost savings compared to traditional storage methods. Additionally, the project aligns with ETH Zurich's Coalition for Green Energy and Storage, which focuses on accelerating the adoption of carbon-neutral energy solutions. The next step involves establishing an association to support interested stakeholders in implementing similar projects and advancing the use of innovative storage technologies.
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