Tekniker taking part in the European ModHEATech project to decarbonise the steel industry using hydrogen.
Tekniker, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), is working in the European MODHEATECH project team researching into a technological alternative that will help enable the decarbonisation of the steel sector. The initiative focuses on furnace heating processes in steelworks that run on natural gas and consequently have a high environmental impact.
Within the framework of the project, Tekniker will use a virtual demonstrator operated by Sidenor to ascertain the impact and feasibility of introducing hydrogen combustion technologies and induction heating in steel production processes. An integral approach will be used for this analysis, including: life cycle analysis (environmental, social and economic) to select the optimal solutions; the definition of a predictive and proactive maintenance strategy; and an analysis of critical components and the performance of accelerated tests under harsh conditions to ensure that hydrogen is compatible with the materials used in the facility.
The initiative hopes to reduce CO2 emissions by 20%, increase productivity without affecting the quality of the end product, power the system with 50% self-produced green energy, and define the roadmap to speed up the decarbonisation of the sector. Furthermore, the technologies developed will also address waste reduction issues, improving product quality and facilitating independence from fossil fuels in EU countries.
Source: Tekniker
