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Potential and Environmental Benefits of Biochar Utilization for Coal/Coke Substitution in the Steel Industry

Author

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  • Suad Al Hosni

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25126 Brescia, Italy)

  • Marta Domini

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25126 Brescia, Italy)

  • Reza Vahidzadeh

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25126 Brescia, Italy)

  • Giorgio Bertanza

    (Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25126 Brescia, Italy)

Abstract

The metallurgical sector is one of the most emission- and energy-intensive industries. The possibility of using fossil carbon substitutes has been investigated to reduce the environmental impact of the steelmaking sector. Among others, biochar emerged as a promising fossil coal/coke substitute. We conducted a literature review on biochar use in the metallurgical sector and its potential environmental benefits. The possibility for biochar as a coal/coke substitute is influenced by the source of biochar production and the process within which it can be used. In general, it has been observed that substitution of biochar ranging from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 50% (mostly around 20–25%) is possible without affecting, or in some cases improving, the process, in coke making, iron sintering, blast furnaces and electric furnaces application. In some studies, the potential CO 2 reduction due to biochar use was estimated, ranging from 5% to about 50%. Despite there still being an area of further investigation, biochar appeared as a promising resource with a variety of uses in the metallurgical sector, contributing to the lowering of the environmental impact of the sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Suad Al Hosni & Marta Domini & Reza Vahidzadeh & Giorgio Bertanza, 2024. "Potential and Environmental Benefits of Biochar Utilization for Coal/Coke Substitution in the Steel Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2759-:d:1408966
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Suopajärvi, Hannu & Umeki, Kentaro & Mousa, Elsayed & Hedayati, Ali & Romar, Henrik & Kemppainen, Antti & Wang, Chuan & Phounglamcheik, Aekjuthon & Tuomikoski, Sari & Norberg, Nicklas & Andefors, Alf , 2018. "Use of biomass in integrated steelmaking – Status quo, future needs and comparison to other low-CO2 steel production technologies," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 213(C), pages 384-407.
    2. Wei, Rufei & Zheng, Xueting & Zhu, Yulong & Feng, Shanghuan & Long, Hongming & Xu, Chunbao Charles, 2024. "Hydrothermal bio-char as a foaming agent for electric arc furnace steelmaking: Performance and mechanism," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 353(PA).
    3. Lina Kieush & Johannes Schenk, 2023. "Investigation of the Impact of Biochar Application on Foaming Slags with Varied Compositions in Electric Arc Furnace-Based Steel Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-29, August.
    4. Meng, Fan & Rong, Guoqiang & Zhao, Ruiji & Chen, Bo & Xu, Xiaoyun & Qiu, Hao & Cao, Xinde & Zhao, Ling, 2024. "Incorporating biochar into fuels system of iron and steel industry: carbon emission reduction potential and economic analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 356(C).
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