ArcelorMittal Launches Carbon Capture Project in Ghent
- The €200 million Steelanol project converts waste gases into ethanol, reducing emissions by 125,000 tonnes annually.
- The €35 million Torero project will process waste wood to reduce emissions by 112,500 tonnes annually, starting Q1 2023.
- Steelanol will produce 80 million litres of ethanol, nearly half of Belgium's current advanced ethanol demand for fuel mixing.
- Partners include LanzaTech, Primetals Technologies, and E4tech.
Project Overview
ArcelorMittal has inaugurated its €200 million Steelanol project at its Ghent steel plant, utilizing LanzaTech's carbon recycling technology to convert waste gases into advanced ethanol. This initiative aims to reduce the plant's annual carbon emissions by 125,000 tonnes.
Technological Innovation
The Steelanol project employs biocatalysts to transform carbon-rich waste gases from steelmaking and waste biomass into ethanol. This ethanol can be used to produce various chemical products, including transport fuels, paints, plastics, clothing, and cosmetics. The advanced ethanol will be marketed under the Carbalyst® brand name.
Production Capacity
Once fully operational, the Steelanol plant will produce 80 million litres of advanced ethanol annually, meeting nearly half of Belgium's current demand for advanced ethanol in fuel mixing. The project partners include LanzaTech, Primetals Technologies, and E4tech.
Future Projects
ArcelorMittal Ghent is also set to launch the €35 million Torero project in the first quarter of 2023. This project will process waste wood into a raw material for blast furnaces, reducing the use of fossil coal and cutting annual carbon emissions by 112,500 tonnes. A second reactor is planned to double the project's capacity within two years.
Climate Action Roadmap
These projects are part of ArcelorMittal's 2030 climate action roadmap, targeting a 25% reduction in carbon intensity globally and a 35% reduction across its European operations. The company is also investing in innovative decarbonization technologies through its XCarb® Innovation Fund, with commitments totaling $222.5 million to date.