Clean Energy and Water Technologies Pty Ltd (CEWT)
ABN 61 691 320 028 | ACN 691 320 028
Technology Note
Why Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT) Is Structurally Superior for Green Iron Production
Date: March 2026
Prepared for: Government agencies, investors, industrial partners
Overview
Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT) enables zero-emission iron production by combining hydrogen-rich syngas reduction with a closed carbon loop.
Unlike hydrogen-only pathways that require large new infrastructure and massive electrolysis capacity, CRT preserves the proven gas-based reduction chemistry used in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) systems while eliminating net carbon emissions.
This approach allows the transition to green iron production using existing industrial infrastructure with significantly lower energy and hydrogen requirements.
1. Uses Proven Gas-Based Iron Reduction Chemistry
CRT reduces iron ore using hydrogen-rich syngas (CO + H₂) generated through steam reforming.
This is the same fundamental chemistry used in natural-gas-based DRI processes such as those deployed globally by Midrex.
Advantages
- Proven shaft-furnace technology
- Established reduction kinetics
- Mature industrial operating experience
- Reduced technical risk
CRT, therefore, builds on existing metallurgical practice rather than introducing an entirely new process.
2. Achieves Zero Emissions Through Carbon Recycling
In conventional natural-gas DRI:
Natural Gas → Reduction → CO₂ released to atmosphere
In CRT:
Natural Gas / RNG → Reduction → CO₂ captured → recycled → Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
The carbon atom, therefore, circulates continuously within the system, acting as a recyclable carrier rather than being emitted.
This closed molecular loop allows CRT to achieve net-zero emissions without eliminating carbon from the process chemistry.
3. Dramatically Lower Hydrogen Requirement
Hydrogen-only ironmaking requires hydrogen to supply both:
- the reducing gas, and
- the energy source for the process
This results in very large electrolysis capacity requirements.
CRT instead uses hydrogen-rich syngas, with only a small renewable hydrogen trim required to maintain the carbon recycling loop.
Benefits
- significantly smaller electrolysers
- lower renewable electricity demand
- reduced hydrogen storage requirements
- improved economic feasibility
4. Compatible With Existing Industrial Infrastructure
Hydrogen-only steelmaking requires major changes to industrial systems, including:
- new hydrogen production infrastructure
- new fuel supply networks
- modified furnaces and process systems
CRT maintains compatibility with existing infrastructure, including:
- gas reforming systems
- DRI shaft furnaces
- gas handling and distribution networks
- high-temperature industrial heat systems
This allows decarbonisation to proceed faster and at lower capital cost.
Structural Advantage of CRT
Traditional decarbonisation approaches attempt to remove carbon from industrial energy systems.
CRT instead recycles carbon as a molecular energy carrier, while renewable hydrogen provides the incremental energy required to maintain the loop.
This architecture preserves the thermodynamic advantages of carbon-based fuels while eliminating net emissions.
Conclusion
Carbon Recycling Technology provides a practical pathway for green iron production by combining:
- proven gas-based reduction chemistry
- closed-loop carbon recycling
- minimal hydrogen requirements
- compatibility with existing infrastructure
This system architecture enables heavy industry to transition toward zero-emission production while maintaining operational reliability and economic viability.
