Local, carbon-neutral biofuel at ArcelorMittal's pellet plant

Quebec

To reduce greenhouse emissions from its iron oxide pellet production processes, ArcelorMittal decided to replace some of the fuel oil used in its Port-Cartier facilities with pyrolysis oil, a biofuel made from logging waste. This project is the first in the world to use pyrolysis oil in its processes on a regular basis and represents the largest consumption of a fuel made from forest biomass. BBA performed the feasibility study to ensure the viability of converting the plant’s fuel oil systems. The team also ensured that the pyrolysis oil facilities were safe and met operational requirements, industry standards, and best practices for both worker health and safety and the environment, while also ensuring that iron pellet production and quality remained optimal. The successful feasibility study opens the door to the construction of a complex-wide pyrolysis oil system that will cut the client’s annual use of heavy fuel oil and coal by 23% and reduce CO2 emissions by over 57 tonnes. The jurors were fascinated by this project's remarkable use of a fuel product to sustain the local economy while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint. Recognizing the potential for similar sustainable initiatives, the jury noted the importance for industry to learn from this project.