RIFT (Renewable Iron Fuel Technology) – European Strategic-Technological Analysis
A quiet revolution in clean energy is taking shape in the heart of Europe. RIFT (Renewable Iron Fuel Technology) is a Dutch spin-off that has reimagined one of the world’s most abundant metals – iron – as a circular, carbon-free fuel. Born at Eindhoven University of Technology, this deep-tech venture has developed a system where iron powder is burned to produce high-temperature heat without carbon emissions, and the resulting rust is then “recharged” back into iron fuel using green hydrogen[1]. The concept promises a fossil-free future for heavy industries and beyond. RIFT’s innovation is more than a climate solution; it carries strategic weight for Europe. By replacing imported fossil fuels with an iron-based energy loop, RIFT could bolster European energy autonomy and resilience. In an era where secure and sustainable energy is pivotal to both economic strength and defense readiness, a technology that can store renewable energy in iron granules and release it on demand offers intriguing possibilities. RIFT has already attracted major investors and notched its first commercial contract in the Netherlands[2]. As Europe strives to reduce dependencies on external suppliers and fortify its strategic autonomy, all eyes are on whether this promising startup’s iron fuel could become a game-changer for industry – and a strategic asset for the continent.