Solar/Electrolytic Production of Magnesium from Ore

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Program:
METALS
Award:
$2,463,179
Location:
Valparaiso, Indiana
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/01/2014 - 12/29/2018

Technology Description:

Valparaiso University is developing a solar electro-thermal reactor that produces magnesium from magnesium oxide. Current magnesium production processes involve high-temperature steps that consume large amounts of energy. Valparaiso’s reactor would extract magnesium using concentrated solar power to supply its thermal energy, minimizing the need for electricity. The reactor would be surrounded by mirrors that track the sun and capture heat for high-temperature magnesium electrolysis. Because Valparaiso’s reactor is powered by solar energy as opposed to burning fossil fuels, integrating magnesium production into the solar reactor would significantly reduce CO2 emissions associated with magnesium production.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Valparaiso’s reactor would produce magnesium with significantly reduced CO2 emissions and electricity consumption than conventional magnesium production processes.

Security:

Light-weighting vehicles to improve fuel efficiency could reduce U.S. dependence on foreign fossil fuel resources used in the transportation industry.

Environment:

Decreasing the electricity required to produce magnesium minimizes CO2 and other harmful emissions.

Economy:

Using solar energy could cut the production costs of magnesium, making it more cost competitive with incumbent metals such as steel.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Patrick McGrath
Project Contact:
Luke Venstrom
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
luke.venstrom@valpo.edu

Partners

Chrysler Group LLC
DiverSolar LLC
Peter Kissinger

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Release Date:
03/20/2013