The projects, named Steelanol and Torero, involve construction of plants that will convert blast furnace waste gas into ethanol and convert wood chips into biocoal for use in the blast furnace. The demonstration plants represent an investment of EUR215 million. 

“These two projects are our first large-scale implementations of new breakthrough solutions, as part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions and transform steel production,” said Geert Van Poelvoorde, chief executive of ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products.

“With (the European Investment Bank) and the European Commission’s support, we can scale up technologies and transition steel to carbon neutrality, and thereby play a significant role in helping Europe achieve its green ambitions.”

The plants are being built at ArcelorMittal Gent in Belgium and are to be completed by the end of 2022.