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
First MECALO Article Highlights the Project’s Potential
18 February 2025
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
3 December 2024
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).