We are excited to announce that we are part of a new project focused on integrating SMRs with thermochemical processes to produce renewable materials, like bio-coal and bio-oil. This initiative is designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency in Sweden's steel and chemical industries. It is a collaborative effort between academia and relevant industry actors SSAB, Blykalla, and Envigas. Funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, the project has received a substantial investment of over 10 million SEK and is set to start in December 2024.
Project overview
This project focuses on leveraging the heat generated by SMRs to power thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). The objective is to produce renewable materials that can replace fossil-based products in the steel and chemical industries, thus significantly reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. By coupling SMRs with these processes, the project aims to maximize resource efficiency and contribute to Sweden’s ambitious target of becoming fossil-free by 2045.
Funding and support
The project has secured a total of 10,372,933 SEK in funding, with the Swedish Energy Agency covering 96.4% of the costs. This substantial investment reflects the confidence in the potential of this innovative approach to drive Sweden towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Parties involved
The project is a collaboration between several key players in the field of sustainable energy and industrial processes:
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden: Leading the project, RISE is responsible for researching and developing the thermochemical processes involved, particularly pyrolysis and HTC.
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology: KTH’s role is to investigate how best to integrate heat from SMRs into industrial processes, ensuring optimal energy transfer and efficiency.
- Envigas: Specializing in bio-coal production, Envigas will be pivotal in evaluating the feasibility of using bio-coal as a sustainable alternative in industrial applications.
- SSAB: As one of Sweden's leading steel producers, SSAB will assess the quality and applicability of bio-coal in steel production, aiming to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
- Blykalla: Bringing cutting-edge expertise in SMR development, helping to ensure the reactors are efficiently integrated into the overall process.
Project goals and impact
The overarching goal of this project is to create a carbon-neutral industrial system by efficiently utilizing the heat from SMRs to produce renewable materials. This effort is expected to support the broader industrial transition to fossil-free processes, particularly in sectors that are traditionally heavy carbon emitters, like steel production.
The project will also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system in Sweden, with potential applications beyond the steel and chemical industries. By developing a practical and scalable approach to integrating SMRs with renewable material production, the project not only supports Sweden's climate goals but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives globally.
As the project progresses, the collaboration between these leading institutions will drive innovation and sustainability in Sweden’s industrial landscape. The results are anticipated to have far-reaching implications, providing a model for other countries and industries looking to reduce their carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
