Abstract
Climate change is pressuring the industry and governments for decarbonization commitments, research, testing and use of best practices to achieve the target of global warming below 1.5/2°C. As it accounts for as much as 7% of all global CO2 emissions and 8% of energy consumption, the steel sector needs to address this issue with extended efforts. This paper provides information on the key potential of renewable biochar as an alternative fuel for pellet production. The paper summarize the successful application of biochar in a pioneering case study as the main fuel for a Grate-kiln pellet plant in Brazil, as well as the study of its use to replace coke and anthracite as additive for iron ore pellets and other possible applications in the steel industry in COREM's precompetitive research & innovation program. The final discussion reveals the large quantity of biochar required by the Brazilian and Quebec scenarios for reducing CO2 emissions of iron ore pelletizing plants.