Renewable instead of fossil fuels: Project for the use of climate-friendly biochar in smelting processes
The recycling production of metals already significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to primary production, but fossil coal is still needed in metallurgical smelting processes. The Austrian industry R&D project "Investigation of the Use of Biochar in the Metallurgical Industry as a Substitute for Fossil Carbon Carriers" involves Stahl- und Walzwerk Marienhütte GmbH, Montanwerke Brixlegg Aktiengesellschaft and Tiroler Rohre GmbH, examining the replacement of fossil coal with biochar, contributing to climate protection.
Climate Goals and Challenges
To achieve national (Austrian National Energy and Climate Plan) and international (EU Green Deal) climate goals for climate neutrality by 2040, significant CO2 savings are essential across all sectors. The metallurgical industry faces substantial challenges, emitting large amounts of CO2 through coke used for various processes.
Biochar as a Promising Alternative
CO2 reductions can occur through renewable energy carriers and reducing agents like hydrogen (H2) or biochar (BK) or by transitioning to cleaner technologies. However, for many medium-sized enterprises, H2 or process changes are not feasible, necessitating direct carbon carriers.
Replacing fossil carbon carriers with sustainably produced biochar could occur without major process adaptations or significant investment. Biochar typically has lower sulfur, nitrogen and chlorine contents, reducing emissions and corrosion. Its large-scale production is feasible, utilising waste wood, agricultural residues (peels, husks, fruit pits) or damaged wood (timber damaged by storms or pests) from forests.
Moreover, transitioning to biochar offers economic advantages, as the current fossil coal must be imported, while biochar can be locally produced. Ongoing research indicates that different metallurgical processes have varying biochar requirements, necessitating specific examinations.
Practical Research through Industry Cooperation
A Collective Research Project funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency and managed by the Association of Mines and Steel, with scientific work conducted by Montanuniversität Leoben and BIOS Bioenergiesysteme GmbH, focuses on processes where biochar can replace coal/coke. This includes coke use in electric arc furnaces and as an energy carrier and C donator in other smelting processes like cupola and shaft furnaces.
Key project goals include detailed investigations of metallurgical processes for biochar application and establishing quality criteria essential for effective use. These criteria affect production processes and biochar treatment, with industry partners addressing relevant questions.
Outlook: Workshop and Knowledge Transfer
The project results will be presented in a workshop at the end of 2026 and subsequently made available to the industry through the Austrian Economic Association of Mines and Steel. The project aims to significantly enhance the know-how of the domestic metallurgical industry in the biochar sector and to enable members represented by the Association of Mines and Steel to minimise CO2 emissions from fossil C-carriers through targeted use of biochar, to shorten transport routes and to increase value creation in Austria.
For further information, please contact the project coordinator, Mr. Manfred Kudrna. Tel.-N0.: +43 5 90900 3317; E-Mail: manfred.kudrna@wko.at
Key Facts about the Project
- Project Title: "Investigation of the Use of Biochar in the Metallurgical Industry as a Substitute for Fossil Carbon Carriers" (Biochar4Metallurgy)
- Funding Agency: Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) – Collective Research
- Project Leader: Austrian Economic Association of Mines and Steel
- Scientific Partners: Chair of Non-Ferrous Metals at Montanuniversität Leoben, BIOS Bioenergiesysteme GmbH, Graz
- Industry Partners: Stahl- und Walzwerk Marienhütte GmbH, Montanwerke Brixlegg AG, Tiroler Rohre GmbH
- Project Duration: December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2026 (3 years)