Activities
Work packages:
WP
1
Project management and coordination.
This work package deals with the project management and coordination, and communication and reporting to the European Commission. It is led by SINTEF.
WP
2
Design and assessment of gas conversion process steps using renewable hydrogen and hydrogen looping
This work package focuses on the investigation of the methanation and plasmalysis processes, evaluating their performance under the MECALO technology conditions.
WP
3
Synthesis of optimized H2-looped carbon raw material feedstock for Si and Mn production routes.
The goal is to develop cost-efficient, customized raw materials for both the new MECALO processes and conventional silicon and manganese production using H₂-looped carbon. Objectives include exploring agglomeration technologies, assessing bio-binders for availability, contamination, and cost, and establishing testing methodologies for agglomerate properties. The final output will be raw materials ready for pilot demonstration in WP5.
WP
4
Digital models & tools, flexibility, and resources efficiency of processes streamlined renewable hydrogen use.
This focuses on integrating and optimizing the MECALO concept to enhance resource and energy efficiency in both stationary and dynamic operations. Key objectives include developing material and energy balance models, optimizing Si and Mn production, adapting advanced digital tools for flexible process design, validating design data, generating process data for assessments and creating a public toolbox for scenario evaluation.
WP
5
Demonstration of MECALO integrated H2-looped carbon process for net zero critical raw materials metals production and business cases.
The goal is to demonstrate the MECALO integrated H₂-looped carbon process for silicon and manganese production at TRL 6. Key objectives include validating raw material properties, optimizing operating conditions, conducting pilot demonstrations, and analyzing material flows and energy consumption to define key process parameters for industrial business cases.
WP
6
Evaluation of TEA, LCA, hydrogen value-chain, environmental / societal / workplace implications.
It will assesses the technical, economic, environmental and social viability of silicon and manganese production using the MECALO concept, comparing it to conventional and alternative processes. It also explores renewable hydrogen value-chain configurations for resilience and addresses safety challenges to ensure successful implementation.
WP
7
Dissemination, communication, networking and exploitation.
The focus is on raising awareness on the project and its impact by developing a strategy to disseminate results to key stakeholders and engaging with a broader audience. It aims to communicate the project’s benefits and its contribution to addressing European societal challenges.