The TMS 2024 Annual Meeting & Exhibition took place from March 3 to March 7, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, USA. This gathering served as a focal point for over 4,000 professionals, including engineers, scientists, business leaders, and experts in the minerals, metals, and materials fields. Among the myriad of discussions and presentations, one particular highlight was the presence of the HAlMan project, showcasing the pivotal role of hydrogen in metallurgical applications.
«Global hydrogen use is increasing, but demand remains so far concentrated in traditional uses in refining and the chemical industry and mostly met by hydrogen produced from unabated fossil fuels. To meet climate ambitions, there is an urgent need to switch hydrogen use in existing applications to low-emission hydrogen and to expand use to new applications in heavy industry or long-distance transport.»
IEA 2023 Global Hydrogen Review
Organized by the Horizon Europe project HAlMan (coordinated by Maria Wallin from NTNU), in collaboration with the Horizon 2020 project HARARE (Casper van der Eijk from Sintef), the course on “Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier and Reductant in Metallurgical Applications” drew significant attention, as it aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of hydrogen’s potential within the metallurgical industry.
With 22 participants hailing from diverse corners of the globe, ranging from industry leaders to academia and research institutions, the seminar fostered rich discussions and insights into the utilization of hydrogen. The event, which spanned the entirety of March 3, delved deep into fundamental and practical aspects, covering topics such as hydrogen production, its utilization as a fuel in burners, and its role as a reducing agent. With speakers hailing from Australia, the United States, Germany, Sweden, and Norway, the seminar offered a truly global perspective, enriching discussions with diverse insights and experiences.
The course’s learning objectives encapsulated the breadth and depth of knowledge imparted:
- Understanding Hydrogen Production in a Metallurgical Context: Participants gained insights into the current state-of-the-art methodologies, challenges, and future developments in hydrogen production, specifically tailored to metallurgical applications.
- Key Factors in Hydrogen-Based Burners: Delving into the intricacies of utilizing hydrogen in burners, attendees gained valuable insights into the key factors influencing performance and efficiency.
- Exploring Opportunities and Limitations: The seminar provided a nuanced understanding of the opportunities and limitations associated with hydrogen as a fuel, shedding light on its potential impact on operational processes.
- Hydrogen as a Reductant in Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Applications: Participants explored the diverse applications of hydrogen as a reductant in both ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgical processes, understanding its efficacy and constraints.
- Safety Considerations: Given the importance of safety in industrial settings, particular emphasis was placed on understanding the key safety aspects associated with designing equipment, processes, and operations involving hydrogen.
- Industrial Implementation: The course concluded with insights into practical aspects of utilizing hydrogen in industrial settings, equipping participants with the knowledge necessary for seamless integration into existing processes.
The course on “Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier and Reductant in Metallurgical Applications” proved to be a resounding success, empowering professionals across the metallurgical industry spectrum with invaluable knowledge and insights. As the world moves towards sustainable and innovative solutions, hydrogen emerges as a key player, offering transformative possibilities in metallurgical processes and beyond. The TMS 2024 Annual Meeting served as a catalyst for this discourse, paving the way for a future where hydrogen takes center stage in shaping the metallurgical landscape.