The IFRF has been approached to be the dissemination partner in a bid to the EU Horizon Call on next generation of renewable energy technologies. The proposed consortium, led by Dr Zak Mansouri at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, has 6 partners (UK, France, Netherlands, and Canada), with world-leading academic capabilities in the field of metal fuels development for clean energy systems. With a clear focus on early stage development (TRL4-5), the consortium seeks potential industrial partner(s) to provide real-world industrial direction and commercial exploitation input.

On behalf of the consortium, we therefore invite IFRF industrial members and supporting organisations to consider joining the consortium. This could be as a beneficiary (carry out R&D work and get grant funding) or as an Associated Partner (provide expertise, data, validation etc and benefit from the outputs as future adopters or users).  To register your interest and/or request further information, please contact Zak Mansouri directly, or contact IFRF Administration. Initial information on the Metal Fuels proposal and the Horizon call topic is provided below:  

Abstract: the project aims to develop metal powders as a recyclable and zero-carbon fuel for future clean energy systems. Metal fuels, such as iron and aluminium powders, offer exceptionally high energy densities and can be safely stored and transported over long periods without significant degradation. Unlike conventional fossil fuels, the combustion of metal powders produces no direct carbon emissions, and the resulting metal oxides can be fully recycled back into metal using renewable electricity, enabling a closed-loop energy cycle. The project explores the potential of integrating metal fuel combustion within existing energy infrastructures, including the retrofitting of current coal and biomass power plants, to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy production with minimal capital investment. Through experimental studies, system modelling, and prototype testing, the work seeks to advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of metal fuels for use in practical, clean combustion systems.

Alignment with the call’s scope and methodology: the Horizon topic specifies the development of high-risk, high-return technologies that advance toward TRL 4-5 through rigorous feasibility studies, including cross-sectoral technology transfer and comparative evaluation against commercial solutions. The proposed metal fuel work programme meets all these criteria:

• High-risk/high-return: Metal fuel combustion and regeneration remain largely uncharted beyond laboratory studies, yet the potential payoff in terms of storage stability, circularity, and system flexibility is enormous.
• Cross-sectoral innovation: The project draws technologies from powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing to design and handle metal powders safely and efficiently, exemplifying the call’s invitation to transfer knowledge from non-energy sectors.
•  Environmental and biodiversity safeguards: Although direct combustion of metal powders is carbon free, early-stage life-cycle and resource-efficiency analyses will guide material selection and process design, ensuring alignment with the call’s expectations for minimised environmental footprint.
•  Comparative analysis: The project will deliver a benchmark comparison between metal fuels and existing renewable options (hydrogen, ammonia, thermal storage) in terms of energy density, cost per MWh, and resource utilisation.
•  Policy and social dimensions: A policy and governance review will assess the enabling regulatory frameworks, adaptive policy mixes, and regional factors influencing deployment, explicitly addressing the call’s requirement to analyse “policy approaches that are encompassing, adaptive and context-sensitive.”

Information about the call: EU Horizon Call and Topic Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-04-Two-Stage-D3-02: Next generation of renewable energy technologies

Budget (€): 23.5M. Indicative number of grants: 6 (We will seek around €4M) 

Stage-1 Deadline: 31 March 2026 (10 pages proposal)

Stage-2 Deadline: 20 October 2026 (if stage-1 is successful)