We are pleased to announce that we are working with leading industry partners on an exciting project that will demonstrate green steelmaking innovation in the UK.
Decarbonisation of the steel industry is needed if the UK is to be successful in meeting its 2050 net zero target, with the industry being a major contributor to the UKs overall greenhouse gas emissions, conventional steelmaking processes in the UK need to change to enable a ‘green steel’ industry. For the steel industry to reach net zero, low carbon technology pathways are needed. Green Steel means steel that is produced with near zero CO2 emissions.
The project we are involved in (H2DRI) is being led by The Materials Processing Institute and will focus on scaling up a process that replaces coke or other fossil fuels with hydrogen as the reducing agent and electricity as the primary heating source. The project will build practical and scientific understanding on how best to deliver economically and environmentally sustainable green steelmaking. Hydrogen is a low carbon alternative to natural gas allowing for significant CO2 reductions, piloting these technologies at large scale is crucial for prospecting future innovation.
We will be leading work on the development of microwave assisted reduction utilising the facilities at lab and pilot scale to accelerate the development of technology and implement changes in processes into a scaled-up plant design.
C-Tech Technical Director Dr Rob Bell leading the project, says:
“These are important steps in the route to decarbonisation of our foundation industries aligning with both the UK government’s Net Zero strategy and our own work on efficient high temperature processes. At C-Tech Innovation we are addressing the needs of other industries by scaling-up continuous, electrically heated process technology. We are excited to participate in this program and are thrilled to be working with leading experts in the industry contributing to creating a low carbon steel industry.”
In addition there will be collaboration with a larger industrial interest group made up of ironmakers, steelmakers and supply chain businesses, including energy developers. Along with project partners Teesside University, the Steel and Metals Institute at Swansea University, and global metals and mining company Rio Tinto.
Chris McDonald, FIMMM, Chief Executive of The Materials Processing Institute, said:
“The continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for much of the world’s fresh steel is one of the biggest challenges to decarbonisation. With demand outstripping the availability of steel to recycle, it is critical we transition quickly towards greener methods of production. I’m proud that the Institute, as a national research and innovation centre for the foundation industries, has been selected to lead this ground breaking project that could potentially revive the UK steel industry.”
Click here to read the project announcement and further comments from others partnered in the project.