Insight into the Potential Use of Biochar as a Substitute for Fossil Fuels in Energy-Intensive Industries on the Example of the Iron and Steel Industry

Abstract

Actions related to reducing CO2 emissions have led to the development of technologies using raw materials in the form of broadly understood biomass as CO2-neutral fuels. There has been a rapid development of pyrolysis processes (carbonization, dry distillation) of various types of biomass toward the production of biochar for industrial applications. Particularly high hopes are associated with the use of biochar as a substitute for fossil fuel in energy-intensive sectors of the economy, especially the metallurgical and steel industries. This paper characterizes the current state and potential for biochar application, using the iron and steel industry as a case study. The analysis focuses primarily on the characteristics of biochar production and its industrial application potential. The characterization includes the diversity of biomass feedstocks, processing methods, and reactor types, the influence of operational parameters on biochar yield, as well as the properties and applications of biochar. As part of the analysis of biomass use potential in the iron and steel industry, the study reviews the current levels of coal substitution achieved at the laboratory scale and presents examples of biochar implementation in existing industrial facilities. In addition, key factors limiting the feasibility of coal substitution in the iron and steel industry are identified. The summary includes the main directions for further research aimed at increasing the use of biochar in industry.