Comment by atomfullerene on 26/04/2023 at 17:55 UTC

18 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)

View submission: Ask Anything Wednesday - Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science

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Why go with iron specifically? There are an enormous number of other oxidation reactions you could use, starting with converting CO2 to hydrocarbons and then burning them back again. My impression (though I can't find you a specific citation) is that these processes are much less efficient than batteries, pumped hydro, etc.

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Comment by dnsteele at 26/04/2023 at 18:06 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

It's abundant and cheap. It can be transported around in electric lorries. Burning it does not make any greenhouse gases. It can be stored up for winter when solar is less useful. Just wondering how it would compare to other forms of energy storage.