PyroGenesis, a Canadian company that develops and manufactures plasma processes for iron ore pelletization has signed a contract with one of the three largest steelmakers in the world to assess the applicability of the former’s fully electric plasma torches for use in EAF steelmaking and casting.
The client is one of the world’s largest companies in both steelmaking and iron ore pelletization, says PyroGenesis.
As outlined in its recent third quarter financial results, PyroGenesis has been working with the steelmaker over the past few years on various initiatives related to using plasma in decarbonization. Recently, PyroGenesis was awarded official supplier status to the client, as part of an impending initiative.
The project agreement outlines the steps for analyzing plasma torches in support of the client’s energy-transition goals, with a duration of approximately 60-90 days, commencing in Q4 2024.
“Steelmaking is an industry where we continue to make inroads and which we believe offers enormous global potential for plasma use.”
P. Peter Pascali, president and CEO, PyroGenesis
“[The client] has taken a methodical approach to its decarbonization initiatives, and we are very pleased our work with them over the past few years has led to official supplier status for PyroGenesis, and resulted in this initial engagement,” said P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis. “Steelmaking is an industry where we continue to make inroads and which we believe offers enormous global potential for plasma use.”
The client’s goal is to determine how plasma can be used following the EAF process which turns scrap metal, and direct reduced iron (DRI), into molten steel. By using electricity in EAFs, the process offers the steelmaking industry a significantly lower carbon footprint with at least 75% less CO2 emissions vs the traditional blast furnace method that burns coking coal or ‘coke’, says PyroGenesis.
PyroGenesis’ development of plasma torches for use in high temperature applications are part of its three-tiered solution ecosystem that aims to align with economic drivers that are key to global heavy industry.