ArcelorMittal, LanzaTech and Primetals Technologies announce partnership to construct breakthrough €87m biofuel production facility - Seite 2

ArcelorMittal, which has been working on this project since 2011, has signed a long-term partnership agreement with LanzaTech. Hence, once construction of the Ghent flagship plant is complete and the commercial viability of the project is proven, the intention is to construct further plants across ArcelorMittal's operations. If scaled up to its full potential in Europe, the technology could enable the production of around 500,000 tons of bioethanol a year.

"This partnership is an example of how we are looking at all potential opportunities to reduce CO₂ emissions and support a transition to a lower carbon economy," said Carl DeMare Vice President, Innovation, ArcelorMittal. "Steel is produced through a chemical process that results in high levels of waste gases being emitted; this new technology will enable us to convert some of these waste gases into fuels that deliver significant environmental benefits when compared to conventional fossil fuels. It is a further example of why our carbon footprint should be viewed on a life cycle analysis basis, given steel is 100% recyclable and the material impact we make on reducing the carbon footprint of our customers through product innovation."

"ArcelorMittal and Primetals Technologies have consistently stayed on the cutting edge of innovation in the steel industry and have demonstrated their commitment to reducing their carbon emissions," said Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. "We are tremendously excited to announce this partnership and our first production facility in Europe at a time when it is abundantly clear that we need all solutions and the commitment of large corporations, cities and countries around the world, to help us stay within our 2 degree carbon budget and keep fossil reserves in the ground."

As the production of bioethanol is a new activity, ArcelorMittal intends to set up a joint venture company for the roll out of this technology with dedicated partners. Financing will be sought from a number of different sources. A total of €10.2 million has been secured under the EU's 2020 Horizon programme for research and development and talks are currently taking place with potential equity and debt partners.  

Primetals Technologies will be responsible for part of the engineering, automation, key equipment and commissioning.

"We are excited to be a partner in this leap-frog project with LanzaTech and ArcelorMittal. Once in operation, it will become a game changer within the industry and a benchmark for low-carbon footprint steelmaking", said Karl Purkarthofer, Senior Vice President of Primetals Technologies.