This project addresses the challenges of utilising biomass, focusing on validating innovative approaches to green steel production that convert biomass into attractive solid carbon products suitable for industrial applications.

The research is structured into two phases:

1. Phase 1: Laboratory-scale validation, focusing on producing high-quality biocoke and composites, which are critical to decarbonising the steel industry. This phase targets biomass resources and iron ores specific to HILT CRC’s industry partners.
2. Phase 2: Technology development and demonstration (subject to continued funding), transitioning from laboratory-scale proof of concept to industrial-scale feasibility. Key activities include testing, integration of biomass-derived products into existing industrial systems and detailed technoeconomic evaluations. Collaboration with industry partners will ensure compatibility with current infrastructure and accelerate commercial adoption.

Ultimately, this research aims to validate economically viable solutions for incorporating renewable carbon into green steelmaking, supporting the decarbonisation of the steel industry and aligning with the long-term goal of enabling green steelmaking on a larger scale.

• 1.1 Producing green iron products from magnetite
• 1.2 Producing green iron products from hematite/goethite ores
• 2.5 Technologies to lower carbon emissions through synergistic production of industrial chemicals and fuels

• Decarbonising production of green iron products from magnetite ores
• Low-carbon pellet production
• Using hydrogen (or ammonia) for pellet induration of Australian ores
• Blending of alternative low-carbon fuels for current high temperature processes

• Validated processes that convert biomass feedstock to produce biocoke with required properties for use in EAFs/ESFs and composites for green steel production.
• Process flowsheets with detailed mass and energy balances and operating cost estimates.
• Technoeconomic assessment of the viability of the proposed processes.
• Trained technical experts capable of designing and operating the proposed processes.

• Potential routes for supplying biocoke suitable for replacing charge carbon (usually produced from coal) used in existing EAF/ESF operations, and renewable solid carbon for use in EAFs/ESFs as part of future green steelmaking.
• Attractive composites that offer an option for producing hydrogen DRI with renewable carbon, drawing on Australia’s abundant biomass resources such as woody biomass, agriculture wastes and municipal solid wastes.
• A pathway for novel processing of biomass to produce economically viable fuels and products.
• Potential applications for the alumina and cement industries.

RP1.017 Biomass-derived fuels and products for green steel production