Charcoal, renewable energy source for steelmaking process

Abstract

The growing demand for energy by steelmaking companies, the significant increases in prices of fossil fuels and the environmental commitments have led ACESITA S. A., a Brazilian producer of specialty flat steel products, to review its current energy sources and to ahn at self-sufficiency in renewable energy. ACESITA S. A. operates two blast furnaces with coke or charcoal as reductant. With recent investments for the ironmaking area and for Acesita Energética, along with the combined mastering of blast furnace operation and charcoal production, Acesita will be prepared, as of 2009, to operate its blast furnaces with 100% renewable charcoal fuel. Forest based charcoal production through a modern, environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way is demonstrated.