Prof. Ton van den Boogaard: 'Properties of steel are definitely going to change'

Steel sector in transition: 'Growing with green steel' launched

Steel production in the Netherlands in its current form is coming to an end. Too polluting. Too taxing. So this cannot continue. However, steel remains a much sought-after product, so the challenge lies in how we can develop and market sustainable steel even faster, in all parts of the chain. 'Growing with Green Steel' is the recipe. This involves developing technologies based on hydrogen, renewable energy and circular iron and steel processing.

The ultimate goal is a CO2-neutral steel sector by 2050. We spoke with one of the initiators Prof. Ton van den Boogaard of the University of Twente. Van den Boogaard is portfolio holder for research at the ET faculty. 

The 'Growing with Green Steel' project - the consortium of 31 parties - got the green light earlier this year: official approval for a grant of more than 100 million euros from the National Growth Fund. So there is support, but explain again in your own words what 'Growing with Green Steel' actually is?

"Within 'Growing with Green Steel,' we aim to solve a systemic problem. We are looking across the chain because everyone will have to contribute. From the steel producers to the researchers at universities and end users. But also think of the business experts, who will have to give the new business value. In short, everyone is involved."

"Admittedly, we already have quite a bit of knowledge about how, based on hydrogen, we can produce CO2-free steel. But it's all about scaling up. That is not easy. We need very large, not yet existing installations to make the new process work efficiently and profitably. In addition, we ask ourselves: how can we reuse all the steel already in circulation?" The program thus focuses on two lines of greening. "The first focuses on producing steel from iron ore in a CO2-neutral way. The second line is about making steel production fully circular, while keeping the quality of steel at the highest level. In other words, we as researchers are looking at an effective route for the transition to a completely new ecosystem."

So at the start of the program, what is the main "operational" challenge?

"Obviously the technical aspect. Every part of the process will have to be redeveloped. It involves technological innovations within the entire value chain. However, it is also a management challenge. This is exactly why faculties of Business Administration are involved in this transition. Because, how do you create a business model that actually delivers? How do you link that to existing regulations in Europe, or ... should we formulate advice that will be taken into the lobby to make laws and regulations just right? For example, I can imagine that at some point there will also be certified labeling that answers the question of which sustainability class the specific steel belongs to."

What is your appeal to readers? What "steps" can they themselves take towards that collective value creation?

"Well ... don't be afraid of change. Yes, it's true: the properties of steel are going to change but ultimately that doesn't have to become a hindrance to your business model. All those variations that are going to arise also offer opportunities. But as an organization, also anticipate changing laws and regulations. Moreover, understand that your (steel) waste can eventually bring you something. We don't throw anything away anymore. In other words, we are really moving towards a fully circular economy. Left or right, it's really going to happen."