ETH Zurich Researchers Develop Iron-Based Hydrogen Storage for Seasonal Energy Needs

In Switzerland, researchers at ETH Zurich announced a breakthrough in hydrogen storage technology, using iron to safely store hydrogen for long periods. This innovative method was demonstrated at a pilot plant on ETH Zurich’s Hönggerberg campus. The technology involves reacting hydrogen with iron oxide to produce elemental iron, which can be stored and later converted back into hydrogen when needed, making it ideal for seasonal energy storage.

The pilot plant, equipped with three reactors, showcases how this process could potentially meet up to one-fifth of the campus’s winter electricity needs by 2026, using solar power generated during the summer. This method is touted as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional hydrogen storage, with the potential to scale up and provide significant energy storage across Switzerland. Researchers emphasize that this iron-based system is ten times cheaper than current hydrogen storage methods, offering a promising solution for renewable energy challenges.