Cold Cohesion Catalyses Carbon Curtailment

Salzgitter AG’s partnership with Binding Solutions marks a bold stride in low-carbon steelmaking. The trials focus on BSL’s cold agglomerated pellets, a product that requires no high-temperature sintering. “By skipping energy-intensive curing, CAPs cut energy consumption by up to 80% & CO₂ emissions by 70%,” noted Jon Stewart, CEO of BSL. This technology could become the sine qua non of decarbonised metallurgy, especially as global policy tightens carbon budgets.

Pioneering Pellets Propel Process Paradigm

The CAPs trials span Salzgitter’s blast furnaces & μDRAL direct reduction plant, the latter powered flexibly by hydrogen & natural gas. By integrating BSL’s pellets, Salzgitter explores replacing sintered materials while preserving process stability. “Our goal is a near-carbon-neutral steel workflow that still meets stringent quality demands,” said Timo Naleschinski, Head of Raw Materials Purchasing. Early tests show CAPs’ compatibility with varied ore grades, vital for procurement agility.

Flexible Feeding Fosters Fossil-Free Future

BSL manufactures CAPs from assorted ores at its UK technology hub, then ships them to Germany for testing. This flexibility underpins Salzgitter’s SALCOS® strategy, blending local innovation & global raw material diversity. By reducing dependence on traditional sintering, CAPs support stable, secure feedstock supply chains. “We see CAPs as a hedge against supply shocks & price volatility,” shared Naleschinski, underscoring the economic rationale behind sustainability.

μDRAL Milestone Marks Metallurgical Modernity

At the heart of Salzgitter’s trials lies the μDRAL plant, the world’s first direct reduction facility flexibly powered by hydrogen & natural gas. BSL’s CAPs aim to prove performance in this unique setup, advancing Europe’s green steel leadership. “Partnering grants us access to μDRAL’s real-world conditions, fast-tracking our pellets’ technological readiness,” said Stewart. The project illustrates industrial R&D synergy driving sustainable breakthroughs.

Proprietary Pellets Promise Process Proficiency

BSL’s patented CAPs technology forms uniform pellets at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for fossil-fuel-heavy kilns. This reduces H₂O usage & lowers NOx emissions, aligning with evolving EU green steel criteria. “Beyond energy savings, CAPs enhance process consistency by standardising feedstock quality,” explained a BSL process engineer. This dual benefit of ecological stewardship & operational excellence sets CAPs apart.

Alliance Advances Ambitious Abatement Agenda

The partnership aligns seamlessly with Salzgitter’s SALCOS® blueprint, aiming for near-carbon neutrality by 2033. BSL’s CAPs could complement other low-carbon measures like hydrogen direct reduction & renewable-powered electric arc furnaces. “Every metric ton of CO₂ we save moves us closer to that vision,” Naleschinski affirmed. CAPs’ ability to integrate without large retrofits bolsters feasibility, easing transition costs.

Raw Resource Resilience Reinforces Regional Reach

European steelmakers increasingly seek resilient, low-carbon raw materials amid geopolitical shifts & climate policy pressure. CAPs, adaptable to multiple ore sources, help diversify procurement strategies. “Stable pellet supply is critical as we pivot from imported coking coal to hydrogen & DR technologies,” observed a Salzgitter raw materials analyst. This broader context underlines why BSL’s innovation has strategic weight beyond immediate emission cuts.

Green Granulate Gains Global Ground

If trials succeed, Salzgitter may scale CAPs across full production, inspiring peers. BSL eyes broader European adoption, offering localised pellet production to minimise transport emissions. “The vision is European green steel supported by European-made green pellets,” said Stewart. This synergy between local innovation & continental decarbonisation strategy echoes EU goals under the Green Deal & industrial decarbonisation roadmaps.

Key Takeaways

• Salzgitter & BSL trial cold agglomerated pellets that cut energy by 80% & CO₂ by 70%

• Tests run in blast furnaces & hydrogen-ready μDRAL plant under SALCOS® program

• CAPs boost supply flexibility & reduce dependency on traditional sintering