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Renewable Hydrogen
Renewable hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize the metal production industry by offering a sustainable alternative to fossil carbon. Traditional metal production relies on carbothermic reduction, where fossil carbon is used as a raw material, inevitably leading to CO2 emissions.
MECALO Gas-to-carbon conversion steps
The project introduces an innovative approach by using renewable hydrogen to indirectly replace fossil carbon in metal production, specifically for critical raw materials like silicon (Si) and manganese (Mn). In metals where direct hydrogen reduction isn’t feasible, such as Si and Mn, MECALO’s solution involves a three-step process that loops carbon through the production cycle. First, hydrogen reacts with carbon oxides in off-gases to produce methane. Then, this methane is converted into solid carbon powder and hydrogen, with the hydrogen being recycled. Finally, solid carbon is used as a reduction material in metal production.
MECALO's renewable hydrogen process in metal production
This approach not only reduces CO2 emissions but also leverages existing processes, making it a practical and scalable solution. By integrating renewable hydrogen into these traditional processes, MECALO advances the state-of-the-art in sustainable metallurgy, paving the way for a future where metal production is both efficient and environmentally friendly.