Course syllabus - Decarbonization Strategies in Metallurgical Processes

Objectives

To equip industry professionals with a solid understanding of emerging CO₂-free metallurgical technologies and practices—such as hydrogen-based reduction, electrification, renewable energy integration, and circular material use. The course focuses on practical strategies to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and support the transition to sustainable, climate-neutral metal production across industrial applications.

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse and map CO₂-emission hotspots and efficiency bottlenecks across primary and secondary metallurgical routes, using industry-standard data and benchmarking tools.
2. Critically evaluate and compare conventional processes with emerging low-carbon technologies—such as hydrogen direct reduction, electric-arc furnaces, and molten-oxide electrolysis—and justify technology choices for specific production scenarios.
3. Design a conceptual integration scheme that couples renewable-energy and hydrogen supply chains with a working metallurgical plant, addressing process stability, energy-storage requirements, retrofitting constraints, and industrial-safety considerations.
4. Develop and interpret a techno-economic model that quantifies life-cycle emissions, capital and operating costs, and return on investment for alternative decarbonization pathways, culminating in a clear investment recommendation.

Course content

1. Overview of Industrial Metallurgical Processes and Emission Sources Mapping CO₂-intensive operations across primary and secondary metal production; identification of key emission hotspots and efficiency bottlenecks in conventional routes.

2. Technologies for CO₂-Free and Low-Carbon Metallurgy In-depth study of hydrogen-based direct reduction (e.g., H-DRI), electric arc furnaces (EAF), molten oxide electrolysis (MOE), and other emerging electrified and plasma-based processes

3. Integration of Hydrogen and Renewable Energy into Metallurgical Systems Strategies for coupling intermittent renewable energy with continuous metallurgical operations; evaluation of process stability, hydrogen availability, and energy storage needs.

4. Infrastructure, Supply Chain, and Plant Retrofitting Assessment of practical requirements for CO₂-free technology deployment, including hydrogen supply infrastructure, process integration challenges, retrofitting existing assets, and industrial safety.

Specific requirements

At least 75 higher education credits in one or more of the following areas: energy technology, mechanical engineering, production technology, product and process development, computer technology and computer science or equivalent areas. Alternatively, at least 40 higher education credits in a technology-related field combined with at least two years of full-time professional experience from a relevant industrial sector. Additionally, English A/English 6 is required.

Examination

Written assignment (INL1), 3hp, Grades: Pass (G), Fail (U) (Learning outcome 1-4)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Two-grade scale