Challenges
Optimisation of steel processing for use of energy and resources.
Increased demand for steel, more than can be recycled.
Design and application of steel products aimed at durability and recycling potential.
Reduction of CO2 and other emissions.
Reduction of the total energy consumption for iron and steel production.
Dealing with scarcity of specific elements.
Society asks for "green steel" products.
Control of accumulation of alloying elements which limit recycling of steel.
What will this proposal do about it?
A Steel for Sustainability Innovation Institute will be founded which will research & develop the production of green iron/steel. Together with the Dutch industry, this will be rolled out before 2031. The focus is on:
- Production of green iron/steel
- Optimised steel processing
- Balanced steel use and reuse
- Improved durability and properties
- System changes
- Improved recovery of steel and alloying elements
Results
Closed lifecycle of steel-based products.
Strong reduction of the total Dutch CO2 emissions.
High quality products based on green steel, with minimal use of energy and resources and full recycling.
Maximum recovery of steel by design for recycling, and improved sorting & identification of scrap.
Themes
This growth fund proposal is subdivided into 5 themes which cover the full steel lifecycle, from production to recovery, but also the required system changes to accomplish this. Detail information can be found here.
System change
- Policy and social aspects
- Education
- Systems and environment
- Digitisation
- Infrastructure characterisation
Production
- Effects of replacing coal with hydrogen
- Increased amounts of recycled material
Processing
- New products based on “green” steel
- Industrially relevant academic research
Use
- Properties of steel, durability, strength, etc.
- Knowledge dissemination towards (potential) end users
Recovery
- Closing the value chain
- Maximise recycled content
- Scrap identification and sorting
National growth fund - round 3
To make this possible, a long, stable investment has to be made in both research and setting up the necessary infrastructure and human capital. The National Growth Fund is a government initiative to invest in projects that improve Dutch earning capacity and ensure long-term economic growth.
For more information: National Growth Fund.
The deadline for submitting proposals was February 3, 2023, 5:00 PM.
The proposal has been submitted.
Current consortium
