Conversion of industrial off-gases to biochemicals

Steel industries generate gases as by-products. A part of these gases is burned, and this leads to substantial greenhouse gas emissions. However, process-related gases from the steel industry can be used in gas fermentation. Gas fermentation is a biological process where microorganisms use gases, such as H2, CO, and CO2 in their metabolic reactions. The project aims to reduce CO2-emissions of up to 1.17 Mton CO2 eq/year, from the steel industry and to produce chemicals, such as acetic acid, lactic acid or polyhydroxyalkanoate with a value of up to 6.65, 12.06 and 30.8 million SEK/year, respectively. The long-term goal of this ground-research project is to initiate pilot trials and subsequently to bring the process to an industrial scale. In addition to the environmental benefits, gas fermentation can contribute to more efficient use of industrial resources, replacement of fossil-based chemicals as well as more jobs and new market opportunities.