Metallic Fuels as Energy Carriers and Suppliers

Metals as Sustainable Energy Storage

The storage of renewable energy is one of the biggest challenges of the energy transition. While batteries are suitable for storing energy for hours or days, affordable options for storing renewable energy over months or transporting it over long distances are still lacking. Researchers worldwide see metals like aluminum and iron as ideal solutions: they can be stored almost indefinitely, are easy and safe to transport, and absorb vast amounts of energy in a compact volume during production.

Alu-to-Energy Prototype

To demonstrate how this process works in practice, OST presented a prototype to symposium participants, currently housed at the Institute for Solar Technology (SPF) in Rapperswil-Jona. This prototype was developed as part of the European collaborative research project REVEAL, funded by the EU Horizon Europe program and the Swiss SERI.

Once operational, the prototype will provide a live demonstration of how aluminum can be used to generate heat and electricity through chemical processes. The produced energy can supply buildings and industrial facilities or be used for district heating. The concept is designed to meet peak energy demands in winter.

Game-Changer for the Future of Energy

The symposium made it clear: while further research is needed to advance technological maturity, numerous market studies and pilot projects highlight the potential of energy storage solutions based on iron and aluminium. In the coming months, the Alu-to-Energy prototype at OST will be further developed and tested – an exciting step toward a sustainable energy future.