Decarbonized Steel Production with Novel Processes

The ZEROSTEEL project aims at reducing the CO2 emissions in the steel production applying novel technologies, integrating green hydrogen, coming from local networks and electrolyzers, for the direct reduction of the iron ore. In particular, four novel direct reduction processes will be applied which will be integrated from hydrogen or/and renewables, namely (a) the Circored Fluidized Bed (CFB), (b) the rotary kiln direct reduction, (c) the hydrogen plasma smelting reduction and (d) the molten oxide electrolysis. Additionally, the possibility of utilizing biomass to produce green hydrogen will be also investigated, aiming at the valorisation of biobased residues as well as the development of a Digital Twin for AI-based steel quality monitoring. Biochars will be also be produced from the biomass utilization which will be applied as alternatives foaming agents at the EAF process. At last novel hydrogen- based hydrogen-based technolgiestechnologies will be integrated in the forming and shaping of the steel closing the loop of the zero emissions technologies for the steel production. The above-mentioned activities will be completed by a detailed life cycle and environmental assessments along with a clear business case for the exploitation of project’s activities and the corresponding business plan.