Sustainable Biochar for Metallurgical Use -Technical Perspective

Purpose and goal

Despite the transition to electricity/hydrogen-based steel production, C remains crucial as an alloying element. Biochar offers a promising alternative to reduce fossil CO2 emissions, although its market is limited. This study aims to define the steel industry’s requirements for biochar, evaluate what producers can offer, and investigate needs within steel production. It also seeks to improve understanding of the current landscape, technological maturity, and challenges in adopting biochar.

Expected effects and result

The study will explore what is needed to accelerate the green transition from fossil coal to biochar, ensuring a sustainable supply of metals and minerals. It will identify types of biochar, assess resource competition, and outline specifications required by the steel industry. Additionally, the study will detail the volume, properties, and applications needed by steel producers and identify users of biochar in the steel industry and other sectors

Planned approach and implementation

To credibly assess the potential and obstacles for biochar supply other industries with an interest in biomass and biochar must also be considered. HåBiMet is ambitious to build a broad consortium and gather actors from biomass production to end users of biochar, including the energy sector, chemical sector, and agricultural actors. The work will consist of literature studies, workshops, seminars, and interviews. The work is innovative in that it is carried out from a systems perspective.