A University of Lincoln research study supported by British Steel and Lapwing Energy has been shortlisted in the Research with Impact category at the forthcoming Green Gown Awards.
The research is investigating whether a man-made charcoal or ‘biochar’ might be suitable as a coal replacement. British Steel is helping to steer the study and give a technical view on requirements to determine if biochar could replace injection coal and act as a future clean carbon source for electric arc furnace steel production.
Head of Research and Development Andy Trowsdale said: “Carbon is an essential element for steelmaking processes, both now and in our EAF future. The work, integrating land repurposing and sustainable crop production, has the potential to provide a circular supply chain for clean carbon sources with significant net CO₂ benefits within steelmaking and beyond.
“This is the second time the project, led by Amir Badiee, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Energy, has been shortlisted at the Green Gown awards, reflecting the quality of the study and its sustainability credentials.”
Judges have selected 133 finalists from 84 institutions who will now be invited to submit their stage 2 applications ready for the final judging in October. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony taking place on 13 November at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh.
The awards, now in their twentieth year, recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the UK and Ireland.
