Technology company RIFT has signed a reservation agreement for a plot at the Margriethaven on the Maasvlakte in the Port of Rotterdam, marking the selection of Rotterdam as the site for its commercial circular iron fuel production facility.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority is making a greenfield location available to support the next phase of the project, with the facility expected to become operational around 2031.
The production process converts iron oxide, commonly known as rust, into circular iron fuel using low-carbon hydrogen.
The fuel can be used by industrial clients to generate heat and steam without direct COâ‚‚ emissions at the point of use, after which the spent fuel is collected and reprocessed centrally in a closed loop.
RIFT is developing this technology specifically for industrial heat processes that are difficult to decarbonise through electrification alone, addressing a segment of industrial energy demand that has limited alternatives within current clean energy portfolios.
RIFT CEO Mark Verhagen described Rotterdam as the convergence point of the essential elements required for the project’s next phase, citing access to hydrogen supply, proximity to industrial demand and a strong partner network.
The company is working with InnovationQuarter to connect production, infrastructure and application within the Rotterdam industrial cluster.
The development adds to Rotterdam’s growing portfolio of emerging energy technologies, complementing ongoing investments in hydrogen import infrastructure, shore power and sustainable fuel storage as the port advances its role as a hub for the European energy transition.
