� INTERVIEW �
The next step for WAI will be the commissioning of a full-scale five thousand tonnes / year biocarbon plant in 2025 . Photo : Gang Xin
Dr . Xin elucidates . “ We are also developing our charge biocarbon to meet the requirements of silicon , ferrosilicon , ferromanganese , and aluminum industries . We are working closely with SINTEF , one of the largest European research institutes , on the demands of ferroalloy industries . Their expertise and experience boosted our product development greatly .”
WAI ’ s team is aware of the importance of proving feasibility . Once they establish a full-scale proof-of-concept plant , they will use this licensing model to work with feedstock suppliers and establish facilities globally . Around four million euros from the Norwegian government has been secured for this goal with another eight million in grants from European and Norwegian funding agencies for the advancement of their biobased carbon product development . “ When the proof-of-concept plant is ready and the risk further reduced , this business model will be rolled out quickly due to the huge demand . We actively seek close cooperation with the metallurgical industry and equity funds . The biocarbon industry is young but it is growing fast , and we need more capital to accelerate the industry transformation ,” Mr . Danielsen stated .
Unwavering faith in a better future
While honestly admitting that being part of the supply chain for the metallurgical industry is extremely demanding , Mr . Danielsen , Dr . Xin and their team are firmly staying on the sustainable path . Highlighting their belief in contributing to the overall decarbonisation agenda , WAI is strongly committed to being open about their manufacturing steps .
“ In Norway , we have a long tradition of clean energy , some even consider it the green battery of Europe . We want to support our metallurgical industry in any way we can . Our solution and technology confirm that decarbonisation is of utmost importance to us in the long run ,” Mr . Danielsen commented . “ Most of my professional life was spent in the cruise industry where I was intent on doing my part to make those ships sustainable in terms of discharge of waste to the marine environment . Around twenty years ago I started working on pyrolysis for the marine industry . We are now trying to continue this on land . On a personal level , I strongly believe in valorizing waste and directing it to recycle and reuse instead of letting it pollute our planet . Therefore , I find the business we are in today very interesting to deal with .”
Dr . Xin shares his colleague ’ s feelings . “ When I was working in environmental engineering , I realized that pollution control and improving our environment are great tasks . When starting this company in 2017 , decarbonisation proved to be the main trend that motivated us to make a shift from pollution control . However , I would like to emphasize that we want to go beyond decarbonisation . Our goal is to manufacture a material that has its function and value . We are actively converting WAI from an ESG ( Environmental , Social and Governance ) company to an ESG material-based technology company . The steel industry offers a lot of space for advancements , and we are positive that we can make a difference .”
Green Steel World | Issue 9 | November 2023 31