Fossil coke consumption in the metallurgical process has been reduced thanks to a new biocarbon process developed by Eramet’s R&D teams. Manganese alloys with no CO2 emissions are the ultimate goal.
Enova has just given Eramet Norway and its three manganese alloy plants in Porsgrunn, Sauda, and Kvinesdal a grant of approximately $6 million to test this technology in a pilot project. Carbon materials used in pyrometallurgical furnaces can be replaced with pre-treated biocarbon in laboratory tests (produced from biomass such as wood waste). This innovation’s next step is to conduct an industrial pilot to verify its technical viability.
Tyssedal’s TTI (TiZir Titatnium & Iron) plant is attempting to reduce CO2 emissions by substituting coal for hydrogen in the process of transforming titanium ores. For titanium ore reduction, pilot tests in specialized facilities will be used to demonstrate the suitability of hydrogen. Enova will contribute up to 26 million euros to the first and second phases of this hydrogen project. The European Space Agency (ESA) still needs to approve TTI’s funding (Efta Surveillance Authority). In addition, it becomes a project of the IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest).
Eramet will be able to step up its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions with the help of these two projects, as the company has promised to do in its CSR roadmap. This year, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an international authority on the environmental impact of companies, awarded the Group a B rating in the climate section of its 2021 ranking for the second year running because of its efforts to combat climate change. Eramet’s Energy and Climate strategy hit a major milestone this year when the Science Based Targets initiative validated our CO2 emission reduction target.
According to Pierre Gueudet: “We have pledged to reduce our CO2 emissions as quickly as possible in light of the impending climate crisis. With Enova’s help, we can ramp up our research and reduce our carbon footprint. To be pioneers in the use of biocarbons and hydrogen metallurgy for the transformation of manganese and titanium ores, our teams are very proud.”
Director of Energy and Climate Change for Eramet Group
Pierre Gueudet said: “Faced with the climate emergency, we have made commitments to reduce our CO2 emissions as quickly as possible. Enova’s support gives us the necessary foundation to intensify our research and decarbonize our processes. Our teams are proud to be pioneers in the use of biocarbon and in hydrogen metallurgy for the transformation of manganese and titanium ores.”
