How ArcelorMittal Belgium is Advancing Sustainable Steel Production
ArcelorMittal Group aims to build a better world with smarter steels, produced using innovative, energy-efficient processes that emit significantly less carbon. In Belgium, the company is focused on manufacturing steel for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure to support sustainable transitions worldwide.
Specializing in sustainable steel products for diverse applications, ArcelorMittal Belgium leverages the expertise of its 5,000 employees to drive innovation and contribute to society. CEO Manfred Van Vlierberghe and Country Manager Jan Cornelis share insights into how the company fosters innovation by placing research and development at its core.
Driving Innovation in Green Steel
The leaders outline current projects that are contributing to a greener planet. “We strive to be pioneers in new technologies. Our energy transition focuses on three areas: enhancing energy efficiency, embracing hydrogen and electrification, and replacing a blast furnace with a plant utilizing natural gas and hydrogen to reduce iron ore. The third area is the smart carbon circular economy, which is exceptionally efficient,” explains Manfred.
Embracing Smart Carbon
The circular carbon economy is crucial for managing excessive CO2 emissions. In steelmaking, iron and carbon molecules are essential. “Instead of relying on fossil carbon, we’re increasingly adopting green and circular carbon. Smart carbon helps balance our carbon extraction by using carbon from end-of-life products like wood and plastics, reducing reliance on fresh fossil carbon,” Manfred adds.
The process also involves capturing and storing carbon to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This dual approach defines smart carbon.
Two standout projects highlight this approach:
- Steelanol: A 200-million-euro bioreactor plant converting carbon-rich waste gases into bioethanol, producing 80 million liters annually for transport and chemical production. It’s the first project of its kind in Europe, designed to optimize operational efficiency continually.
- Torero: A 35-million-euro demonstration plant converting waste wood into bio-coal for blast furnace injection, advancing the shift towards low-emissions, circular carbon steelmaking.
Developing Green Steel Infrastructure
The North-C Circular project spans 150 hectares and focuses on strengthening climate neutrality efforts, including renewable energy installations. Jan shares, “We are planning follow-up projects at the Steelanol site, expanding to produce sustainable acetone and other chemical compounds using hydrogen, enhancing CO2 utilization.”
Additionally, replanting trees on this plot, though mandated by the Belgian Government, will be supplemented by installations that extract over 1,000 times more CO2 than the trees would have absorbed.
Advancing Carbon Reduction Targets
Significant investments are propelling these projects forward. “We will reduce over three million tons of CO2 emissions, contributing to our goal of a 35% reduction by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. By 2050, we aim to achieve full carbon neutrality with a detailed roadmap guiding our progress,” Manfred states.
Future projects will further enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with ArcelorMittal’s long-term sustainability goals.
Shaping the Future of European Steel
Despite challenges in steel manufacturing, there are sustainable pathways forward. “European steel production has declined by about three million tons annually over the past decade, while consumption remains constant, leading to increased imports. We aim to accelerate green steel production in Europe to meet demand sustainably,” Manfred explains.
In conclusion, ArcelorMittal Belgium continues to lead in advancing the circular carbon economy. As its innovative projects mature, they set a benchmark for sustainable steel production that others can follow.