Steelanol: Europe's first large-scale carbon recycling project
We recently recorded a video for Smart Delta Resources to show how local industry contributes to our region and our daily lives. One of the highlights was Steelanol at ArcelorMittal, a pioneering project that promotes sustainability and climate goals.
A year ago, ArcelorMittal Belgium reached a milestone with the first industrial production of ethanol at the Steelanol plant in Ghent. This breakthrough in sustainability shows how carbon-rich industrial gases are reused to produce ethanol, a concrete step towards climate-neutral steel production.
The Steelanol plant has a production capacity of 80 million litres of ethanol per year, approximately half of the total current demand in Belgium. This innovative project significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and has a positive impact on both industry and our daily lives.
The Steelanol plant captures carbon gases from steel production and converts them into ethanol using an innovative biorecycling process. Patented bacteria act as biocatalysts, converting the carbon gas into ethanol. This ethanol can be used for various products, from transport fuels, paint and plastics to clothing, cosmetics and perfumes.
The plant in Ghent can reduce ArcelorMittal's annual CO₂ emissions by 125,000 tonnes. The project highlights the importance of circular technologies in the transition to a climate-friendly industry, supported by collaboration with strategic partners and the Flemish government.
Would you like to see more of the project and the impact of local industry? Keep an eye on our channels (LinkedIn and YouTube) for the launch of the video and stay up to date with developments surrounding the Steelanol project: Home | Steelanol
