THErmochemicaL conversion of Municipal biowaste into a sustainable, biogenic coal Alternative

forthcoming

With about 60 Mt/y of fossil coal and 5 % of the EU GHG emissions, the decarbonization of steel sector is a key EU challenge. Research projects demonstrated that a biocoal with high stability can be produced by pyrolysis of residual biogenic materials. This biocoal is usable to replace fossil coal in EAF, as well as BF. In addition, circular recycling of biogenic residues like sludge and green wastes is another opportunity, beyond representing a problem, in EU. A combined process, patented by RE-CORD and licensed to start-up, was developed to obtain a high quality biocoal also from biowastes. Despite achievable chemical composition and quality, industrial scale-up of technology to full commercial demo-scale is needed, as well as demonstration campaign to validate the applicability of biocoal to green steel production, and to adapt the existing material handling solutions. This, together with completing the End of Waste classification for the obtained biochar, is key to unlock the market, allowing steelmakers to elaborate commercial contracts and use. Within the THELMA project, a continuous, innovative integrated pyrolysis-leaching demonstration plant will be optimized and operated, so to produce more than 100 tons of biocoal from biogenic residues, such as sludge, green wastes and residues, beyond residual lignocellulosic biomasses. Biocoal will be through various innovative systems and then be tested industrial EAFs, so to determine the effects and adjust the existing technologies. In this project, biocoal compaction, handling, and utilization solutions will be identified and tested at full industrial scale, producing thousand tons of green steel. The production campaigns, conducted by two partners (leading industrial steelmakers) will be monitored and assessed by the coordinator, a leading academia in energy and sustainability technology and assessments, delivering data about the energy performances, process sustainability, and product quality.