CO2 free production of critical raw materials using hydrogen
The context
Hydrogen is less effective in reduction than carbon, making it unsuitable for producing certain strategic metals like:
Silicon
Manganese
This limitation narrows the decarbonization options for these essential industries.
The challenge
A new Critical Raw Materials production pathway where renewable hydrogen is used indirectly to replace fossil carbon
This process captures CO₂ from off-gases, utilizes renewable hydrogen, and repurposes the recovered carbon as a reduction material in metal production, promoting sustainability in the industry.
The goals
Save 33 million tonnes of annual CO2 emissions in 2050
Replace 9 million tonnes of annual coal imports by 15 million Nm3 of H2 in 2050
95% reduction of CO2-emissions from Si and Mn production
News
Decarbonising Metal Production: MECALO Introduced at EUBCE 2025
At the 33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition – EUBCE 2025, held in Valencia from June 9-12, the MECALO project featured its poster during the
MECALO’s Closed Carbon Cycle: Innovation Highlighted at Hydrogen Innovation Webinar
During the recent “Hydrogen Innovation” webinar hosted by FEDECOM EU on May 28, 2025, MECALO took the spotlight with a compelling presentation of its innovative
First MECALO Article Highlights the Project’s Potential
The MECALO project has reached a significant milestone with its inaugural article, written by coordinator Halvor Dalaker. This article highlights the project’s groundbreaking strategy for
MECALO Press Release
The main ambition of MECALO is to demonstrate its innovative concept of renewable hydrogen and carbon looping for CO2-neutral production of Silicon (Si) and Manganese (Mn).