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HåBiMet – Technical perspective
Vinnova Reference number: 2024-02676
Project duration: 2024.11.01 — 2025.06.30
Coordinator: Swerim
The HåBiMet – Technical perspective project explored the feasibility of replacing fossil coal with sustainable biocarbon in Swedish metallurgical processes. As the steel industry transitions towards fossil-free production, carbon remains essential in several applications, making biocarbon a promising low-emission alternative.
The project mapped technical requirements for biocarbon in key processes such as electric arc furnaces, tunnel kilns, and submerged arc furnaces and assessed the availability and quality of biomass in Sweden. The results show that biocarbon can meet many of the technical needs, although challenges—particularly related to phosphorus content and material consistency—remain.
In addition, the project analysed biomass supply and future demand, highlighting that Sweden has significant potential to produce biocarbon from forest residues. However, large-scale implementation will require improved supply chains, cost reductions, and standardisation.
The study also emphasised the importance of a systems perspective, including collaboration between industry, energy, and forestry sectors, as well as supportive policies and market conditions. The biocarbon market is still in an early phase, and further research, pilot projects, and cross-sector cooperation are needed to enable scale-up.
Overall, the project concludes that biocarbon has strong potential to support Sweden’s climate goals and the transition to a fossil-free and circular metal industry, provided that technical, economic, and regulatory challenges are addressed.
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