Bio-syngas -Driven Fossil-Free Ferrochrome Production (Bio4FeCr)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Luleå tekniska universitet Inst f samhällsbygg & naturresurser |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 980 000 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Purpose and goal
Chromite ore is essential for producing ferrochrome (FeCr), a key stainless steel component traditionally made with fossil carbon. This project explores renewable reductants like bio-syngas and hydrogen for chromite pre-reduction, enhancing ore reactivity through pre-oxidation, mechanical activation, and pre-reduced FeCr mixing. We aim to assess the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility, supporting Sweden´s fossil-free goals and a shift to sustainable FeCr production
Expected effects and result
This project evaluates the feasibility of reducing chromite ore with bio-syngas or hydrogen, examining the effects of pre-oxidation, mechanical activation, and FeCr pre-mixing on ore reactivity. It also assesses the economic viability of renewable reductants and quantifies carbon footprint reduction. Strategic recommendations will identify optimization opportunities and outline a roadmap for a full-scale project.
Planned approach and implementation
This study is organized into interconnected work packages (WPs): WP1: Project Management – Coordination, monitoring progress, and communication. WP2: Technical Assessment – Literature review, sample prep, and theoretical analysis. WP3: Reducing Gas Design – Studies bio-syngas and hydrogen composition for reduction. WP4: Experimental Testing – Lab tests for chromite pre-reduction with bio-syngas/hydrogen. WP5: Economic & Environmental Analysis – Cost, LCA, and risk analysis.