MODELLING THE INTEGRATION OF SLOW PYROLYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL RESIDUES IN THE STEELMAKING SECTOR: A TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE ITALIAN CASE STUDY FROM MUSIC H2020 PROJECT

Slow pyrolysis of ligno-cellulosic biomass residues represents a renewed opportunity to produce both sustainable bioenergy and high value co-products. The present work aims at evaluating the possible synergies for the integration of a slow pyrolysis plant within a steel-making plant, focusing on the use of biochar as a possible coal substitute to be used in a blast furnace. Within this framework, a model is proposed to calculate a preliminary sizing for the slow pyrolysis plant, and calculate the mass and energy balance for the integrated plant. Finally, it evaluates the main key economic parameters and performs specific sensitivity analyses. The model has been developed within the activities carried out by the H2020 MUSIC project, and applied to the Italian Case Study, located in the Apulia region and considering ArcelorMittal Taranto steel-making plant. The model estimated that more than 60 kt/yr of biochar could be produced for coal substitution, and 38M Nm3/yr of Natural Gas used in the steel plant could be substituted by pyrolysis gases. This in turn would lead to more than 240 ktCO2/yrof avoided emissions, that could be traded on the EU ETS market. Overall, the economic parameters proved viable, with a 7-years Pay Back Time and an Internal Return Rate for the investment of 19%.