Metal Fuel: The Key to Carbon-Free Energy on Earth and the Moon
Scientists have conducted microgravity experiments to study discrete burning of iron powder, leading to the development of efficient and practical iron-burning furnaces that produce circular, carbon-free energy storage. The leftover product after combustion is iron oxide, which can be endlessly recycled. A demonstration plant is operational in The Netherlands, and multiple start-ups are exploring this carbon-free fuel for factories and industrial processes. This metal fuel could also be used for sustainable lunar outposts, potentially using lunar minerals and ice to produce metallic powders for propulsion and water for consumption.