LanzaTech Global, Inc., a player in carbon recycling, and ArcelorMittal S.A., an integrated steel and mining company, have achieved a significant milestone in their joint sustainability efforts.
Ethanol produced at ArcelorMittal’s Steelanol facility in Ghent has reached production volumes sufficient for shipping by barge.
Earlier this month, LanzaTech took title to the first shipment, which is now on its way to be purified and sold to CarbonSmartä customers in fragrance and home care markets.
Turning Industrial Emissions into Value
The Steelanol facility converts carbon-rich industrial emissions from ArcelorMittal’s blast furnace. It transforms these emissions into fuel-grade ethanol. This process uses LanzaTech’s advanced carbon recycling technology.
Operational since 2023, the facility is a trailblazer for Europe’s steel industry. It offers ethanol for fuel markets and further refinement into consumer goods, including apparel, personal care items, and packaging.
“Dr. The milestone demonstrates the viability of transforming industrial emissions into raw materials for valuable products,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, Chair and CEO of LanzaTech.
Dr. Holmgren added, “ArcelorMittal continues to lead in steel industry decarbonization, and we look forward to expanding our collaboration to support a circular economy.”
Strengthening European Supply Chains
The achievement supports LanzaTech and ArcelorMittal’s shared vision of establishing a robust European supply chain for sustainable ethanol.
“This marks a major step in our decarbonization journey,” said Manfred Van Vlierberghe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Belgium.
Vlierberghe added, “The first shipment of ethanol by barge underscores the success of initiatives like Steelanol. It also complements other projects, such as Torero, which converts waste wood into biocoal.”
Van Vlierberghe emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing climate challenges. This approach combines energy efficiency, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), electrification, and innovative projects like Steelanol.
He reaffirmed ArcelorMittal’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Contributing to Climate Goals
The Steelanol plant has an annual capacity of 80 million litres of advanced ethanol, meeting half of Belgium’s current demand.
The facility reduces carbon emissions from the Ghent plant by 1,25,000 tons each year, contributing to the EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55%.
The project has benefited from partnerships with Primetals Technologies and E4tech (now part of ERM). It also received support from the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
A Model for Industrial Sustainability
The milestone represents a pivotal step in the pursuit of sustainable industrial practices.
As per the press release, initiatives like Steelanol are demonstrating how innovative technologies can transform waste into valuable resources. LanzaTech and ArcelorMittal are also playing a key role, setting a precedent for industries worldwide.
