Innovation Exchange Challenge: Producing biocoke for metallurgical foundries from biomass

Stellantis seeks innovators who can produce environmentally sustainable biocoke from pyrolysis of biomass. The core targets of Stellantis' future strategy include slashing carbon emissions to achieve carbon net zero. Reducing the manufacturing carbon footprint, particularly in foundries, is important to achieve these aims. The motivation of this challenge is to replace a part of the fossil coke by biocoke, produced from pyrolysis of biomass, to reduce carbon footprint and dependence on fossil coke supply, and to promote localised production. The proposed solution must cover a process or approach which produces biocoke at suitable quality for foundries, from an initial biomass source or directly from biocarbon. The biocoke must be in the form of briquettes and must meet foundries specification: high carbon content (≥85%), low ash content (<10%), Lower Heating Value (LHV) 28MJ/kg, Higher Heating Value (HHV) 30MJ/kg, mechanical strength to support the weight of the metal above, and a minimum piece size to allow the passage of gases and fluids. Selected solutions will be introduced to the Stellantis leadership for consideration for co-development R&D projects, pilot studies or joint venture depending on the most suitable route.