Could Biochar Replace Coke and Coal in the Steel Industry?
- Careis Hung
- Sep 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
With Biochar Emerging as a Promising Low-Carbon Alternative, Could It Potentially Replace Coke and Coal in the Steel Industry?
The iron and steel sector is a major industrial emitter. It consumes about 18% of global industrial energy—roughly 9,885 TWh annually. This sector relies heavily on coal and coke for much of its energy input. However, biochar has emerged as a promising low-carbon alternative. Its metallurgical properties closely resemble those of conventional fossil carbon sources.
Technical and Metallurgical Viability
Biochar vs. Coal and Coke
Biochar exhibits similar or superior characteristics to coal and coke. It has a high fixed carbon content (≈ 85–87%), low moisture (1–5%), low ash content (≈ 3%), significant porosity (~58%), and substantial surface area (~113 m²/g). These properties translate into improved reactivity and cleaner steel production.
Applications in Steelmaking
Biochar can be incorporated in multiple routes. These include coke making (biocoke), sintering (bio-sinter), briquettes, and as injected carbon in BF/BOF, DRI/EAF, and scrap/EAF processes. For DRI/EAF routes, torrefied biomass in carbon composite agglomerates (CCAs) can replace up to 50% of fossil carbon. In some cases, it can even enable full replacement.
Emissions Reductions & Environmental Impact
A recent assessment found that substituting biochar for 50–100% of coke reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 3–7%. This corresponds to about 0.08–0.2 t CO₂ per tonne of steel.
Broader modelling studies suggest that biochar substitution across blast furnace, sintering, and coking steps could reduce steelmaking emissions by over 30%.
Operational Benefits and Challenges
The advantages of using biochar include improved reaction kinetics, enhanced slag foaming, and reduced impurities. However, the variability in biochar properties—due to different biomass sources and pyrolysis conditions—requires standardization and optimization.
The economic viability of biochar is tied to its production costs, supply chain logistics, and ensuring consistency in quality across large-scale industrial operations.
EU Policy Context: Green Deal & Steel Transition
Under the European Green Deal, the EU aims to cut emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. Biochar aligns with these goals as a carbon-neutral fuel and a form of solid carbon sequestration.
The Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) is supporting clean steel innovations—including biochar applications—via €130–175 million in “Big Tickets” calls launched through 2025.
Meanwhile, the EU Steel & Metals Action Plan and Clean Industrial Deal call for phasing out coal-based blast furnaces. They emphasize scaling up hydrogen and circular steel, while creating markets for low-carbon products.
Conclusion
Biochar holds significant promise for reducing carbon emissions in steelmaking. Its compatible properties, emission-saving potential, and alignment with EU climate goals make it an attractive option. However, current deployment remains limited by technical, economic, and logistical barriers. Unlocking its full potential will require continued research, industrial-scale demonstration projects, supportive policies, and integration with other decarbonization pathways such as hydrogen and scrap-based recycling.
The Future of Biochar in Steel Production
As we look ahead, the role of biochar in steel production could expand significantly. The ongoing research into its applications and benefits will pave the way for broader adoption.
Innovative Techniques
New techniques in biochar production and application could enhance its effectiveness. For instance, advancements in pyrolysis technology may yield biochar with even better metallurgical properties. This could further solidify its position as a viable alternative to coal and coke.
Market Dynamics
The market for biochar is expected to grow as more industries recognize its benefits. Companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint will find biochar an attractive option. This shift could lead to increased investment in biochar production facilities.
Global Impact
The global impact of adopting biochar in steelmaking could be profound. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we can contribute to significant emissions reductions. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
In conclusion, biochar is not just a trend; it is a potential game-changer for the steel industry. Its adoption could lead to cleaner production processes and a more sustainable future. As we continue to explore its possibilities, the benefits of biochar will become increasingly evident.
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