SCIENTIFIC POSTER: HOW THE INITIATE TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP DECARBONISE THE STEEL AND FERTILIZER INDUSTRY

Last May, Anne Ottenbros from our project partner Radboud University presented a scientific poster at the SETAC Europe 34th Annual Meeting in Sevilla. This year's meeting theme, “Science-based Solutions in Times of Crisis: Integrating Science and Policy for Environmental Challenges,” emphasised the urgent need for innovative, science-based solutions to the most pressing environmental issues such as food production.

Anne’s poster titled “Forging a greener future: How the INITIATE technology can help decarbonise steel and fertilizer industry” focused on the innovative solutions explored by the INITIATE project to reduce the carbon footprint of steel and fertiliser production.

Decarbonising the steel and fertiliser industries is crucial for achieving net-zero climate goals, as these sectors contribute 8% and 0.93% of global GHG emissions, respectively. In an operational environment, INITIATE will show how residual carbon-rich gas from the steel sector becomes a valuable feedstock for the chemical sector. At the same time, the cost of carbon capture is sustained, leading to a cost-efficient decarbonisation strategy.

The TRL7 demonstration will combine the continuous production of N₂+H₂ and CO₂ streams, with the innovative ammonia production as a precursor for urea.

A prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) demonstrates the environmental benefits, particularly when powered by renewable electricity. The technology offers significant potential to enhance sustainability and support a circular carbon economy.

Find the scientific poster here.