The steel industry is at the center of the global energy and climate transition. Achieving net-zero emissions requires a portfolio of innovative technologies, from carbon capture to hydrogen reduction, electrolysis, biomass, efficient raw material use, and circular economy strategies like scrap recycling and co-product valorization.
Biomass in steelmaking - Fact sheets
Full Code
MAN0204WS408
Module Type
Microlearning
Description
This microlearning explores the potential of biomass as an alternative carbon source in steel production. It explains what biomass is, its different sources, and how it can partially substitute coal in blast furnaces or be converted into biochar for injection. The fact sheet highlights current applications, such as charcoal use in Brazil and projects like Torero in Europe, while addressing sustainability challenges related to land use, supply chains, and certification schemes. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how biomass can contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in steelmaking under sustainable production practices.
What you will learn
Define biomass and explain its potential role as a renewable, low-carbon alternative to coal in steelmaking.
Describe how biomass can be applied in steel production processes, including charcoal substitution in blast furnaces and biochar injection technologies.
Examine real-world biomass projects in steelmaking (e.g., Brazil’s charcoal use, ArcelorMittal’s Torero project), and assess their contribution to emissions reduction.
Identify the key challenges of biomass deployment, including sustainable land use, supply chain development, environmental impacts, and certification schemes.
Assess the potential of biomass to contribute to decarbonisation of the steel industry, considering lifecycle emissions, supply chain impacts, and scalability.
Module content
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