Vow and Danieli Corus enter exclusive collaboration to reduce the carbon footprint of steel production
Vow ASA, through its wholly owned subsidiary Scanship AS, and Danieli Corus B.V. have signed an exclusive collaboration agreement to develop and market a technical solution that enables increased use of biocarbon in integrated steel production. Replacing fossil fuel sources with sustainably produced biocarbon significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
The Carbon Challenge in Steel Production
Steel production accounts for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions. A significant share of these emissions originates from blast furnace ironmaking, where carbon plays a central role in the transformation of iron ore into hot metal. Traditionally, this carbon is supplied through metallurgical coke and injected pulverized coal, both of which are fossil-based.
Replacing Pulverized Coal use in Blast Furnaces
An important application is the partial replacement of fossil pulverized coal used in blast furnace ironmaking. Pulverized coal injection is widely used to reduce the consumption of metallurgical coke to lower production costs. However, the injected coal remains a fossil-based carbon source.
Replacing fossil pulverized coal with biocarbon offers a promising pathway to reduce the carbon footprint of hot metal production without requiring fundamental changes to existing blast furnace operations. This approach enables steel producers to leverage existing assets while accelerating progress toward their decarbonization targets.
Combined Expertise for Industrial Implementation
Vow is a global leader in advanced pyrolysis technology, converting biomass into high-quality biocarbon. Through precise control of the pyrolysis process, Vow delivers biocarbon with properties tailored to industrial applications. Decades of experience have enabled the company to develop extensive expertise in transforming biomass feedstock into valuable products.
Danieli Corus has been serving the global steel industry since 1977, with a strong focus on blast furnace ironmaking. Building on its roots in the integrated steelworks at IJmuiden, the company has consistently focused on practical, proven solutions that improve operational efficiency. With more than 75 references in pulverized coal injection systems for blast furnaces worldwide, Danieli Corus possesses unmatched expertise in fuel injection technology and blast furnace operations.
Together, Vow and Danieli Corus offer steel producers a low–risk option to replace fossil pulverized coal with sustainably produced biocarbon, helping reduce the carbon footprint of ironmaking while maintaining operational reliability and performance.
The collaboration is effective immediately and focuses on opportunities in Brazil and India, two regions with significant potential for biomass-based ironmaking solutions.
Gunnar Pedersen, CEO at Vow, comments:
“Vow has extensive experience turning residues and waste streams into valuable resources. By combining our pyrolysis expertise with Danieli Corus’ ironmaking capabilities and global industry reach, we can accelerate the transition from fossil to renewable carbon in steel production. Together, we can help advance the decarbonization of the steel industry.”
Deepak Verma, Decarbonization Manager at Danieli Corus, adds:
“Throughout my career in the global steel industry, I have heard and read a great deal about the use of biocarbon in steel production, yet large-scale implementation has remained elusive. I am excited that this collaboration has the potential to turn this long-standing opportunity into a practical industrial solution, helping steel producers reduce CO₂ emissions and accelerate their decarbonization journey.”
Vow’s pyrolysis technology is commercially proven at industrial scale, and the companies consider the combined solution ready for industrial implementation by steel producers. Danieli Corus welcomes enquiries from steel producers seeking practical solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and accelerate their decarbonization efforts.
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