Israeli start-up Found Energy has developed a groundbreaking technology that harnesses the stored energy in aluminium and converts it into heat and hydrogen through oxidation with water.
This innovation has the potential to revolutionize energy transportation by enabling the efficient transfer of clean energy to where it is needed. With its high energy density and ability to work with low-quality aluminium waste, Found Energy’s solution offers a promising pathway towards a more sustainable future.
Aluminium, a highly volumetrically energy-dense material, contains approximately 8.6MWh of stored energy per tonne. The energy is derived from the electricity consumed during the aluminium smelting process. By cracking the protective oxide layer on aluminium and activating it in their reactors, Found Energy releases hydrogen and heat, fully oxidizing the aluminium and forming aluminium hydroxide. This process has a significantly higher energy density compared to liquid hydrogen or diesel, allowing for the transportation of large amounts of energy in smaller tanks or vessels.
Gadi Ruschin, Co-Founder of Found Energy, emphasizes the importance of energy transportation in the renewable energy transition. While renewable energy is typically generated in stationary plants or fields, the challenge lies in efficiently transporting it to distant locations. Found Energy’s technology offers a solution by enabling the transport of clean energy from one region to another. For example, solar energy produced in Australia could be used in Japan or Singapore, providing a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
The company has already demonstrated its technology at a thermal output of 50kW and is currently working on developing and testing megawatt-scale reactors. Their first commercial product is expected to target a range of 1-10MW. Scaling up the technology primarily involves engineering efforts and meeting customer requirements, as the scientific principles have already been established.
The potential impact of Found Energy’s innovation is significant. It not only provides a safe and efficient method for transporting energy but also offers cost reductions for industrial partners. By leveraging the energy stored in aluminium, which is readily available and widely used, the technology has the potential to transform energy systems and contribute to the global transition to renewable energy sources.
