Iron Energy provides a long‑duration energy storage system that converts excess renewable electricity into hydrogen, which reduces iron oxide to metallic iron for months‑long, low‑loss storage. The sealed, modular vessels operate at moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure, allowing integration into community or industrial sites to deliver reliable, self‑sufficient power and reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel backup.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy generation create gaps between supply and demand, making it difficult for communities and industrial users to achieve reliable, self‑sufficient power without costly fossil‑fuel backup or large‑scale grid upgrades.
Solution
Iron Energy offers a long‑duration energy storage system that converts excess renewable electricity into hydrogen, which chemically reduces iron oxide to metallic iron inside a sealed vessel. The resulting iron acts as a solid, stable energy carrier that can store the chemical energy for months with minimal losses. When power is needed, the stored iron is re‑oxidized, releasing hydrogen that can be fed into fuel cells or turbines to generate electricity on demand. The process operates at moderate temperatures (~500 °C) and atmospheric pressure, allowing the system to be integrated into existing industrial sites or community energy hubs. By leveraging a closed‑loop steam‑iron cycle, the technology provides durable, low‑maintenance storage that supports grid resilience and reduces reliance on fossil backup.
Target Audience
Primary customers are municipalities, industrial facilities, and renewable energy developers seeking seasonal storage solutions to achieve energy self‑sufficiency and grid stability.
Features
- Steam‑iron cycle that stores energy as metallic iron, enabling months‑long, low‑loss storage
- Operates at ~500 °C and atmospheric pressure, reducing infrastructure complexity and safety risks
- Closed‑loop design with water vapor condensation, eliminating the need for external cooling systems
- Modular vessel architecture that can be scaled to match community or industrial power requirements
- Compatibility with renewable electricity sources for hydrogen production and with fuel‑cell or turbine generators for discharge
- Swiss‑engineered components ensuring high reliability, durability, and long service life