World’s First in Fossil-Free Industrial Heat
In a groundbreaking step toward industrial decarbonisation, Dutch clean-tech developer RIFT and insulation manufacturer Kingspan Unidek have signed the world’s first commercial contract for Iron Fuel Technology. The agreement covers the delivery of an Iron Fuel Boiler and a long-term Iron Fuel supply, positioning Kingspan Unidek as the first company globally to implement this low-carbon fuel at an industrial scale.
The Iron Fuel Boiler will be installed at Kingspan Unidek’s facility in Gemert, the Netherlands, making this the first full-scale commercial deployment of RIFT’s revolutionary circular fuel system.
From Innovation to Implementation
RIFT’s Iron Fuel Technology generates high-temperature heat without direct CO₂ emissions by combusting iron powder. The resulting iron oxide is reconverted into iron fuel using hydrogen, creating a fully circular fuel cycle.
Following years of lab research, pilot tests, and demonstrations, this marks the first industrial-scale commercial application of the technology. The Iron Fuel Boiler at Kingspan Unidek is expected to be operational by 2028, aligning with industrial integration and permitting timelines.
“This isn’t just a contract, it’s a statement,” says Mark Verhagen, CEO at RIFT.
“Clean industrial heat using Iron Fuel isn’t a far-off vision — it’s happening now. Kingspan Unidek is a partner that sees both the urgency and opportunity of decarbonising heat.”
A Bold Sustainability Move by Kingspan
The collaboration aligns with Kingspan’s Planet Passionate programme, aiming for a 65% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Iron Fuel is a drop-in solution—it does not require changes to existing operations but delivers significant CO₂ savings per unit of steam.
Gene Murtagh, CEO at Kingspan, explains:
“We’ve seen many ideas, but few that truly work for industrial reality. RIFT’s technology is practical, scalable, and sustainable. It’s exactly the kind of partnership that makes long-term climate goals achievable.”
Turning Point for Clean Heat
Industrial heat has long been one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Iron Fuel’s advantages—circularity, high energy density, safety, and system compatibility—make it a unique, practical solution.
With this first commercial contract, Iron Fuel Technology moves from promise to practice. RIFT is now supported by an ecosystem of investors and partners, including PGGM, Invest-NL, and Breakthrough Energy Fellows. Future goals include scaling production, expanding across Europe, and developing global clean heat projects.
About RIFT
RIFT is a Dutch clean-tech company developing Iron Fuel Technology—a circular, fossil-free energy solution designed to decarbonise industrial heat. Founded in 2020, RIFT is now transitioning from R&D to commercial operations.
About Kingspan Unidek
Kingspan Unidek, part of the Kingspan Group, is a Netherlands-based manufacturer of sustainable insulation solutions. Founded in 1969, it emphasizes energy efficiency, environmental impact, and product recyclability throughout its operations.
