Rift signs historic first contract for Iron Fuel Technology
Together with Kingspan Unidek, Rift has signed the world's first commercial contract for industrial use of Iron Fuel Technology.
Published on June 18, 2025
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RIFT has made history by signing the first commercial contract for iron fuel technology with Kingspan Unidek, marking the industrial launch of their technology. This collaboration promises to achieve significant reductions in gas consumption and CO2 emissions at Kingspan and integrate seamlessly into their existing production systems.
The breakthrough of iron fuel
With the signing of the contract between former Gerard & Anton winner RIFT and Kingspan Unidek in Gemert, RIFT is taking an important step in practically applying its iron fuel technology. This technology aims to change the world of energy generation by using iron powder as a fossil-free alternative to traditional fuels. When iron powder burns, it produces heat without direct CO2 emissions, and the resulting rust can be converted back into iron using hydrogen, creating a fully circular process. The technology was developed by a team at Eindhoven University of Technology and promises to maintain the simplicity of existing production systems while increasing efficiency.
Environmental benefits and prospects
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels is crucial in the fight against climate change. RIFT's technology could play a key role in decarbonizing industrial heating processes. According to RIFT estimates, this technology could save up to 1 gigaton of CO2 annually by 2050.
The installation of the Iron Fuel Boiler at Kingspan Unidek is seen as an initial step towards wider acceptance and potential applications in other sectors. The partnership with Kingspan, which aims to make all its production CO2 neutral by 2030, underlines the realistic and achievable goals of this technology.
Technical innovation and operational integration
The simplicity of RIFT's technology in terms of integration into existing systems and operations makes it an attractive option for industrial players looking to reduce their environmental impact without major changes to their infrastructure. Iron powder, with its high energy density and safety, is manufactured for compatibility with current industrial processes. Its safe transport and storage options make it even more attractive. This gives it an edge over other emerging technologies that often require complicated or costly modifications.
The Rift team