Synopsis:
Collaborative efforts by Fraunhofer researchers, TS ELINO GmbH, and Salzgitter AG aim to revamp a steel mill for climate-neutral steel production. The initiative centers on replacing coke with hydrogen in iron ore reduction, potentially slashing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 97%, offering significant climate protection benefits. Fraunhofer researchers, TS ELINO GmbH, and Salzgitter AG unite to transform a steel mill into an eco-friendly production hub. By leveraging hydrogen in the iron ore reduction process, this joint venture seeks to substantially cut carbon dioxide emissions, revolutionizing steel manufacturing's environmental impact.
Article:
In a concerted endeavor, Fraunhofer researchers, TS ELINO GmbH, and Salzgitter AG are orchestrating a groundbreaking transformation within the steel industry. Their mission? To convert an existing steel mill into a hub of climate-neutral steel production. The focal point of this transformation involves the replacement of coke, a substantial emission contributor, with hydrogen in the iron ore reduction process.
Steel, a fundamental component across industries, faces a significant environmental challenge due to its production's substantial carbon footprint. As per the Competence Center on Climate Change Mitigation in Energy-Intensive Industries (KEI), the steel sector in Germany alone contributes around 55 million tons of CO2 annually, accounting for approximately 28% of the nation's industrial CO2 emissions. The primary culprit behind this environmental strain is the utilization of coke in blast furnaces, essential for extracting pig iron from iron ore.
Efforts to decarbonize steel production have been ongoing, with Fraunhofer researchers and their partners focusing on a hydrogen-based direct reduction approach. This method involves the reaction between iron ore and hydrogen at high temperatures within a reactor, liberating raw pig iron while minimizing harmful emissions. Dr. Matthias Jahn, head of department for Energy and Process Engineering at Fraunhofer IKTS, highlights the pivotal role of renewable energy-powered hydrogen in achieving up to a 97% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
A critical aspect of this innovative approach involves generating green hydrogen through high-temperature electrolysis. Fraunhofer IKTS researchers have pioneered solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) technology, leveraging waste heat for increased electrical efficiency—particularly advantageous in the steel production context.
The ongoing BeWiSe project, a collaborative effort between research institutes and industrial partners, aims to optimize the entire process chain, including the reduction process, resource efficiency, and energy consumption. The installation of a direct reduction demonstration plant at Salzgitter AG's premises serves as a pivotal testing ground for process optimization.
The project also explores alternative materials to coal and natural gas for adjusting steel's carbon content and delves into water optimization strategies considering the substantial water requirements for green steel production. With expertise spanning various disciplines—ranging from high-temperature electrolysis to process simulation and plant modeling—the researchers strive to offer comprehensive technological support for Salzgitter AG's transformative journey.
Dr. Alexander Redenius, head of Resource Efficiency and Technology Development at Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung, emphasizes the significant strides made in this collaborative pursuit of sustainable steel production. The company aims to transition a third of its steel production to hydrogen-based, low-CO2 emission processes as early as 2026.
Conclusion:
The ambitious collaborative effort led by Fraunhofer researchers and industry partners signals a pivotal shift in steel production, a transformation aimed at significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. By pioneering hydrogen-based technologies, this endeavor holds the promise of reshaping the steel industry toward a more environmentally sustainable future.
