Navigating the pathway to green steel
While steel is an invaluable material, its production relies on carbon-intensive fossil fuels, primarily coal, which accounts for around 9% of global carbon emissions. Today, the pressure to decarbonise steel making is being felt and a phased approach is being taken to make the transition.
In the short-term, existing integrated mills will implement major decarbonisation measures, to reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve energy efficiency and implement a circular economy.
In the mid-term fuel switching and electrification of process will be crucial. HiTeMP-3 presenter, Dr Alexander Fleischanderl, says that we may expect to see two major trends emerge – the implementation of electric arc furnaces into hybrid mills with highest charge mix flexibility, and new direct reduction (DR) based mini mills. Due to a restricted supply of high-grade iron ore, DR plants will also need to use lower grade ores, which will have an impact on steelmaking.
Primetals Technologies is addressing this challenge and has been developing a hydrogen-based fine ore reduction HYFOR pilot project in Austria. HYFOR feeds on iron ore fines and ultra-fines concentrate, removing the need to invest in a pelletizing plant.
To find out more about Primetals Technologies and the pathway to green steel join Dr Alexander Fleischanderl, CTO Upstream and Head of Green Steel, Primetals, Austria, at the 2022 HiTeMP-3 forum, where he will present “Leaving Carbon Behind – A long and bumpy road ahead”.
Alexander is a recognized expert on sustainable iron and steel production. Before assuming his current post, he held various positions within Primetals in technical sales, project management, and R&D for the environmental, steelmaking and long rolling business. He holds about 100 single patents and was honoured as Siemens Inventor of the year in 2013.
The third international forum for high temperature minerals processing (HiTeMP-3), will be held at the National Wine Centre and online from September 26 – 28, 2022.
Early bird ticket sales have been extended and will now close on Thursday August 25, 2022. To find out more and to register your attendance go to ua.edu.au/hitemp