New steel melting technology eliminates coke

Carbon dioxide emissions from steel production can be reduced by 80%. Tata Steel knows how. The next phase of testing a new pig iron production technology was launched at Tata Steel's factories. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions by one fifth. The first such smelter is planned to be built. The new technology will eliminate coke.

Disruptive technology is needed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the steel industry. HIsarna could herald a new industrial revolution with a focus on CO2 reduction and a circular economy in which we continue to use resources, says Hans Fischer, Managing Director of Tata Steel Europe.

Tata Steel has been working on the HIsarna technology for about 20 years under the ULCOS project (from the English version of the name Ultra Low CO2 Content in Steel Production), funded by the European Union and the Dutch government. 48 companies from 15 countries, including ArcelorMittal, are participating in the project with a budget of 75 million euros.

The chemical process technology for the formation of pig iron and coal ore does not change. However, it allows for the production of liquid iron from fine-grained ore and coal. This allows for the omission of sintering (preparation of ore for a blast furnace) and coke production, and this reduces emissions by 20%, with gas capture and storage up to 80%. For coke plants and coking coal mines, this is not very good information.

The current phase should provide a final check of all technologies and devices. The next stage will be the construction of the plant. However, another problem will appear, requiring new, much larger funds.