Development of technology for Chemical looping Dry Reforming and its integration in steel plant

Chemical Looping Dry Reforming: A Strategic Pathway for Steel Industry Decarbonization

Chemical looping dry reforming (CLDR) represents a promising technological pathway for the decarbonization of the steel industry. Given the substantial volumes of CO₂ generated during steel production, there is significant potential for carbon capture. However, current sequestration approaches often lack economically viable utilization routes, which can lead to increased production costs without delivering proportional value.

The integration and design of CLDR systems offer a compelling solution by enabling the conversion of captured CO₂ into valuable products, thereby enhancing process efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint. This approach aligns with CTEP's objectives of fostering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable technologies for industrial transformation.

1. Concept and Relevance

CLDR is a thermochemical process that utilizes CO₂ and methane (CH₄) to produce syngas (a mixture of H₂ and CO), using a metal oxide as an oxygen carrier. This process not only enables the utilization of captured CO₂ but also facilitates hydrogen-rich syngas generation, which can be reintegrated into steelmaking processes or used as a clean energy vector.

The steel industry inherently produces large volumes of CO₂, which can be harnessed as a feedstock in CLDR, thereby transforming a waste stream into a valuable input. This aligns with the principles of circular economy and industrial symbiosis, both of which are central to Horizon Europe’s sustainability goals.

2. Technical Advantages

• CO₂ Utilization: CLDR directly consumes CO₂, reducing the need for long-term storage and mitigating associated costs and risks.

• Syngas Production: The generated syngas can be used for downstream processes such as direct reduced iron (DRI) production, fuel synthesis, or electricity generation.

• Process Integration: CLDR can be integrated with existing steelmaking infrastructure, particularly in plants equipped with blast furnaces or electric arc furnaces, enhancing overall energy efficiency.

• Scalability: The modular nature of chemical looping reactors allows for flexible scaling, from pilot to industrial levels.

3. Research and Development Objectives

The proposed work will focus on:

• Design and Optimization of CLDR Reactors: Developing robust oxygen carrier materials and reactor configurations suitable for steel plant integration.

• Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis: Evaluating the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of CLDR within various steel production scenarios.

• Pilot-Scale Demonstration: Advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) through pilot-scale trials in industrial settings.

• Environmental Impact Assessment: Quantifying the reduction in CO₂ emissions and assessing lifecycle sustainability metrics.

4. Strategic Impact

Integrating CLDR into steel manufacturing offers a transformative pathway toward low-carbon steel production, contributing directly to the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe’s mission-oriented goals for climate neutrality. It supports:

• Industrial Decarbonization

• Resource Efficiency

• Innovation in Clean Technologies

• Strengthening partnership Technological Leadership