Utilization of biomass as an alternative fuel in ironmaking

Abstract Raw biomass is unsuitable for ironmaking applications. However, after pyrolysis, the resultant chars can substitute for conventional nonrenewable fuels and reductants. Provided that the renewable fuels are produced sustainably, they have great potential to lower net CO 2 emissions from an integrated steel plant without the need for significant capital expenditure. Charcoal properties can be tailored for optimal performance, and applications in cokemaking, sintering, and the blast furnace are presented. Potential applicability to alternate and emerging ironmaking processes is discussed. This chapter discusses recent R&D for the 10 applications identified and also presents progress toward a versatile large-scale pyrolysis process.