The German government is investing over 1 million euros in a pioneering project for the sustainable use of electric arc furnace slag in the steel and cement industry. The ‘WAGEOS2SHS’ project, a co-operation between Lech-Stahlwerke GmbH (LSW) and Max Aicher Umwelt GmbH (MAU) with partners from the cement industry, aims to produce an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional clinker.
Electric furnace slag as a sustainable building material
Lech-Stahlwerke is already setting standards in the use of electric furnace slag (ELOMINIT®) as a sustainable building material. The WAGEOS project aims to further strengthen the company's commitment to the circular economy.
The pilot plant, which is being built in Georgsmarienhütte, will produce reactive clinker substitutes by wet granulation of molten electric furnace slag. This process makes it possible to cool the slag quickly and convert it into small black glass beads that can be used as an ideal aggregate in cement production. The properties of water-granulated electric furnace slag (WAGEOS) can consistently match those of classic blast furnace slag. In addition, the new method of slag treatment is an effective, low-CO2 alternative to traditional clinker or blast furnace slag, according to the company.
Ceremonial handover of the funding decisions in Meitingen
The project is being funded as part of the BMWK's ‘Decarbonisation in Industry’ programme, which is dedicated to supporting environmentally friendly technologies in energy-intensive industries. The programme is managed by the Competence Centre for Climate Protection in Energy-Intensive Industries (KEI) and can offer funding of up to 65% of the project volume.
Dr Franziska Brantner, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, presented the funding decisions to the representatives of the partners in the programme at a ceremony at the plant in Meitingen. Brantner emphasised the importance of the project for the environment and the German economy: “The BMWK decided to fund this project because it makes a significant contribution to decarbonisation and does so with an innovative approach that strengthens cooperation between the steel and cement industries and the circular economy,” emphasised Dr Franziska Brantner.
About the Max Aicher Group
The Max Aicher Group is a diversified company that is active in 18 countries worldwide and employs over 4,500 people. With an annual turnover of around 1 billion euros, the Group produces around 1.5 million tonnes of steel each year in Bavaria and Hungary alone. The business divisions include Steel & Production, Environment & Recycling, Real Estate & Projects, Building & Construction and Leisure & Tourism. The Group relies on innovative technologies and sustainable processes to minimise the ecological footprint of its production.
