[ COVER STORY ] as possible within certain temperature ranges . Using electrical energy , typically in the form of induction , is more efficient and reduces our reliance on gas and the direct production of CO 2
. While it is still essential to decarbonize electrical energy , this shift transforms the problem into something more manageable . However , there are still situations where a flame is necessary to achieve specific temperatures . In those cases , we utilize burners that can be fed with hydrogen . We now offer a full range of burners that operate seamlessly between natural gas and hydrogen ,” Mr . Pancaldi clarified .
Recently , Tenova installed a 1 MW electrolyzer at their facility in Castellanza , enabling onsite testing of their hydrogen burners . “ We can generate and store hydrogen ( and oxygen ) on-site , allowing us to test the entire value chain . We start with photovoltaic panels to produce green energy , which power the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen and oxygen . These , in turn , are used in the burners we are testing in our lab ,” he explained .
On the topic of hydrogen , Mr . Pancaldi mentioned that Tenova has patented a technology for producing what is known as turquoise hydrogen . Traditional green hydrogen production via electrolysis has significant drawbacks , as it consumes a large amount of green energy and pure water — both scarce resources . Producing one kilogram of hydrogen requires approximately 60 kWh of electrical energy .
In contrast , turquoise hydrogen is produced through pyrolysis from natural gas . During this process , natural gas is heated to about 1,500 ° C in the absence of oxygen , resulting in carbon separating from hydrogen without forming
CO 2
. “ The advantage is that this method requires only about 10 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen . While it does generate carbon , it remains in solid form , making it easier to manage . This carbon can , in fact , be used in various industries , as it is a valuable product in itself ,” he noted .
Driving the future
To complement Tenova ’ s robust decarbonization efforts , the company also makes indirect contributions to CO 2 reduction by helping its customers produce materials essential for energy transition solutions . One notable area of focus is the development of specialized steels , such as silicon steels , which possess unique magnetic properties vital for high-efficiency transformers and electric motors . “ We are a world leader in the development and supply of technologies and equipment for the production of Grain Oriented ( GO ) and Non-Grain Oriented ( NGO ) silicon steels ”, Mr . Pancaldi stated , “ having supplied most of the plants that exist both in China and around the world .”
“ We are involved in other initiatives as well , particularly concerning rare earth elements , which are crucial for the energy transition . For instance , we have developed processes for refining rare earths . Currently , over 95 % of the refining capacity for these materials is concentrated in China , creating a significant geopolitical challenge . The Western world is heavily dependent on China for rare earths . Our new refining technologies will empower companies to refine these materials in-house . Instead of mining the rare earths and sending them to China for processing , they can now do it themselves ,” Mr . Pancaldi emphasized .
Returning to steel production , he noted that there is no one-sizefits-all solution to the challenges faced . As we can see from Tenova ’ s example , the issues we encounter today are less about technical feasibility and more about economic viability . It is not merely a matter of capital expenditures ( CapEx ); operating expenses ( OpEx ) are becoming increasingly critical . While achieving “ zero ” emissions may be a challenging goal — the path toward it might be bumpy — Mr . Pancaldi believes in utilizing every available option , as even small reductions in emissions can have a meaningful impact .
Green Steel World | Issue 15 | November 2024 11