Reforging the
Steel Industry
The Challenge of Green Steel
High-grade ore is crucial for green steel production.
However, operational mines of high-grade ore are nearly exhausted. Producing high-grade ore generates billions of tons of tailings, waste materials left after extracting valuable minerals. These tailings present severe environmental and safety risks, as improper disposal can lead to contamination and catastrophic disasters.
Additionally, the industry’s dependence on carbon-intensive processes, such as using coke in blast furnaces, results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions. This makes the sector a prime target for stricter environmental regulations and carbon taxes.
These challenges, combined with fluctuating raw material costs and the need for substantial investment in cleaner technologies, create a complex landscape for steel producers striving to achieve profitability and sustainability.
How Helios Addresses Those Challenges
Helios does not require steelmakers to alter their energy infrastructure, as the Helios technology can be integrated into their existing infrastructure, which reduces cost and facilitates faster adoption.
The sodium-based process binds oxygen to sodium instead of carbon, creating sodium oxide, which can be reused, thus promoting a circular economy. This new approach mitigates the environmental impact associated with traditional iron production, including the handling of ore tailings and the reduction of hazardous waste. This novel green steel method produces zero direct carbon emissions.
Unlike other green steel technologies, Helios does not require steelmakers to make major changes to their existing processes. The method requires 30% less energy than the industry standard and operates at temperatures so low that even a household oven could initiate the process.
Technological advantages of the Helios Cycle™
The Helios Cycle™ emits only oxygen as a byproduct, if a renewable energy source is used, the whole process is 100% carbon emissions-free
No direct carbon emissions
The Helios Cycle™ emits only oxygen as a byproduct. When powered by a renewable energy source, the entire process is free of carbon emissions.
Lower energy consumption
Whereas current iron production methods necessitate temperatures of 1,200°C to 2,000°C, the Helios Cycle™ uses temperatures of between 250°C to 350°C. The process uses 30% less energy and reduces production costs by 30%.
Compatible with low-grade ores
The Helios Cycle™ allows for the utilization of low-grade ores which are largely unusable today, thereby lowering the overall cost of iron production.
No hydrogen
Hydrogen use necessitates the construction of specialized infrastructure near the plant. Additionally, the production of green hydrogen significantly raises the cost of steelmaking.
No direct carbon emissions
The Helios Cycle™ emits only oxygen as a byproduct. When powered by a renewable energy source, the entire process is free of carbon emissions.
Lower energy consumption
Whereas current iron production methods necessitate temperatures of 1,200°C to 2,000°C, the Helios Cycle™ uses temperatures of between 250°C to 350°C. The process uses 30% less energy and reduces production costs by 30%.
Compatible with low-grade ores
The Helios Cycle™ allows for the utilization of low-grade ores which are largely unusable today, thereby lowering the overall cost of iron production.
No hydrogen
Hydrogen use necessitates the construction of specialized infrastructure near the plant. Additionally, the production of green hydrogen significantly raises the cost of steelmaking.
Iron is only the beginning
Helios targeted the iron industry because of its high energy consumption and significant environmental impact. However, Helios' refinement technologies extend beyond iron: We offer a greener approach to extracting other critical elements, including silicon, copper, nickel, and lithium. Our technology offers a more sustainable method for resource extraction, benefiting the planet across multiple industries.
Learn more about what Helios can do for Earth and beyond
Explore our articles, press releases and videos to learn more about the industry, its challenges and Helios’ plans to tackle them.
