At the 33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition – EUBCE 2025, held in Valencia from June 9-12, the MECALO project featured its poster during the Monday afternoon session.
The presentation addressed the formidable challenge of decarbonising metallurgy, a “hard-to-abate” sector where carbon serves not only as a fuel but also as a necessary reducing agent in metal production. This chemical role makes CO₂ emissions unavoidable, even when using renewable energy.
Carbon plays an essential role not only as an energy source but also as a chemical reducing agent, making CO₂ emissions unavoidable, even when using renewable energy.
Hydrogen, often seen as a green alternative, is not reactive enough for all metal processes, especially for critical raw materials like silicon and manganese. A different solution is needed.
MECALO introduces a closed carbon loop, where CO₂ is recycled instead of released. This breakthrough process preserves the core chemical reactions of metal production, but in a way that eliminates CO₂ emissions.
MECALO’s Potential Impact
- Massive CO₂ Savings: an estimated 33 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided annually by 2050.
- Fast Implementation: no need to overhaul existing furnaces.
- Versatile: suitable for any carbon-based process with CO₂ emissions.
- Net-Zero Enabler: supports Europe’s 2050 climate goals.
- Strategic Autonomy: helps secure critical raw materials for Europe.
- Fossil Fuel Independence: could replace up to 9 million tonnes of imported coal.
Current Focus: Bio-Binder Development
The ongoing research focuses on developing and testing bio-based binders for carbon agglomerates, a vital step to ensure the process’s environmental integrity and technical performance. By rethinking carbon’s role, not eliminating it, but recycling it intelligently, MECALO is reshaping what’s possible in metallurgical decarbonisation.