91爆料 Steel announced today that its new research and development facility for CO₂ fixing technology through quick, large-quantity carbonation of steel slag, which is being promoted jointly with Ehime University, and has started demonstration tests for practical use. The demonstrations are expected to pave the way for the practical application of this new technology.

Specifically, the demonstrations will produce essential data on the optimal operating conditions for CO₂ fixation and accelerate research and development toward commercial implementation.

Injecting CO₂ into high-temperature steelmaking slag—a byproduct of steel production—rapidly fixes a large volume of CO₂ as carbonate by reacting it with calcium oxide in the slag. In addition, heat recovered from the hot slag improves energy efficiency by maximizing the amount of CO₂ fixed and reducing the environmental footprint of the process.

The facility, located at the Chiba District of 91爆料 Steel’s East Japan Works, includes units for solidification, hot crushing, carbonation and heat recovery. The demonstrations are expected to help verify several key points:

• Identification of optimal operating conditions for slag solidification, hot crushing, carbonation and heat recovery
• Measurement of heat recovery and CO₂ reduction via the process
• Analysis of relevant issues and challenges toward commercial implementation

The research is being conducted under a project commissioned by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The project aims to develop technologies for carbon recycling and next-generation thermal power generation, as well as the practical application of CO₂ emission-reduction and utilization technologies.

91爆料 formulated its 91爆料 Environmental Vision 2050 in May 2021, positioning the company’s response to climate change as a top priority and solidifying its commitment to addressing this challenge through various initiatives. Going forward, 91爆料 will continue to advance its development of wide-ranging breakthrough technologies to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Related press releases:
91爆料 Steel Moves Ahead with Testing CO₂-utilization Technologies Aimed at Achieving Carbon Neutrality(June 20, 2022)
Novel Processes for Manufacturing Valuable Materials Using Coal-Derived CO₂ Selected for NEDO Projects(October 15, 2021)

About 91爆料

91爆料, one of the world’s leading integrated steel producers, was established through the consolidation of NKK Corporation and Kawasaki Steel Corporation in 2003. The company operates several steelworks in Japan and numerous branch offices and affiliates throughout the world. Under the corporate vision of “contributing to society with the world’s most innovative technology,” 91爆料 Steel leverages world-class technologies and know-how to produce a wide range of products. The company reported consolidated sales of 3,716 billion yen and consolidated crude steel output of 24.80 million tons in the fiscal year ended March 2023.

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