Increasing demand for sustainable steel production is projected to fuel the growth of the Global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market at a CAGR of 25.3% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market” that contains information from 2019 to 2035.

The Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 25.3% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

As per Market Research Future (MRFR) analysis the following companies as the key players in the Global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market—Airex Energy, BioCarbon, Carbo Culture, MYNO Carbon Corp., Meva Energy, Karmanterra, Envigas, Pyrochar, Chartechnologies among other key players.

Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market Highlights

The Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.3% in the forecast period, and the market is expected to reach USD Thousand 4,42,437.31 by 2035.

The steel industry, responsible for 7–9% of global CO₂ emissions, is under mounting pressure from governments, investors, and end-users to decarbonize, driving a shift toward cleaner production methods like Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. While EAFs already offer a lower carbon footprint by using scrap steel and electricity, they still require carbon inputs for processes like slag foaming and decarburization—functions where biochar is emerging as a renewable, low-emission substitute for fossil-based materials like coke and coal. Global regulatory trends such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the U.S. “Buy Clean” policy, and India’s forthcoming Green Steel Mission are incentivizing low-carbon steel production, indirectly boosting biochar’s relevance. Major companies and initiatives are also demanding greener steel, creating a market where emission reductions directly influence competitiveness. Industrial trials in Europe and Asia have demonstrated that biochar, derived from waste like forestry residues and rice husks, can match or even outperform traditional carbon materials in EAFs. As EAF adoption grows globally, the absolute demand for carbon inputs will rise, making biochar a scalable, furnace-compatible solution that aligns with ESG goals, supports circular economies, and avoids the need for costly infrastructure changes. Together, regulatory mandates, buyer preferences, and proven performance are making biochar a key enabler of immediate and practical decarbonization in steelmaking.

Segment Analysis

1. The market based on Type of Biochar has been segmented as Wood-based Biochar, Agricultural Waste-based Biochar, Industrial Byproduct Biochar and Engineered or Activated Biochar. In 2024 the Wood-based Biochar segment held the largest market share of 41.28% with value of 15,343.82 USD Thousand and is expected to growth with CAGR of 24.9% for the period 2025-2035. The Wood‑based biochar, typically produced from forestry residues like sawdust or woody scraps, is distinguished by its very high fixed carbon content—sometimes exceeding that of traditional coke—paired with remarkably low ash levels. These traits make it highly compatible with EAF requirements. Its porous structure and large surface area facilitate efficient reduction reactions and enable excellent slag‑foaming behavior, closely matching the performance of fossil-based carbon. However, its lower bulk density can pose challenges in handling and injection, demanding special attention in material processing and transport within steel plants.


2. Based on Production Technology, the market has been segmented as Slow Pyrolysis, Fast Pyrolysis, Gasification, Torrefaction, Hydrothermal Treatment and Others. In 2024 the Slow Pyrolysis segment held the largest market share of 43.60 % with value of 16,208.46 USD Thousand and is expected to growth with CAGR of 24.9% for the period 2025-2035. Slow pyrolysis involves the prolonged heating of biomass in the absence of oxygen, typically at temperatures below 500 °C and residence times ranging from hours to days. This method yields high-quality biochar with elevated fixed carbon and relatively low volatile content—key traits needed for both charge and injection applications in EAF operations. Slow pyrolysis also produces valuable by-products such as bio-oil and syngas, which can help offset production costs. While it produces robust carbon material tailored for steelmaking, the longer processing time and energy requirements may limit throughput and raise operational costs compared to faster thermal options.


3. Based on Application the market has been segmented as Carbon Injectant, Recarburizer, Slag Foaming Agent, Insulating Material and Others. In 2024 the Slag Foaming Agent segment held the largest market share of 43.37% with value of 16,120.57 USD Thousand and is expected to growth with CAGR of 25.4% for the period 2025-2035. One of the most promising applications of biochar in EAF steelmaking is as a slag foaming agent. Slag foaming is a critical process that helps insulate the arc, reduce energy losses, and protect furnace linings from thermal damage. Biochar with high volatile matter can release gases that promote controlled slag foaming when injected or added to the slag layer. Agricultural biochars and certain engineered formats have shown superior foaming behavior due to their unique pore structures and reactivity. Blends of biochar with coke or petcoke have also demonstrated improved foam stability. The use of biochar in this role not only maintains furnace performance but also contributes to lowering CO₂ emissions associated with traditional carbon sources.

Regional Analysis

Based on Region, the global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. In 2024, the Asia Pacific region held the largest market revenue share of 32.47%, with value 12,071.23 USD Thousand which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% in the period 2025-2035. In the Asia–Pacific region, the interest in biochar for EAF applications is rising through exploratory trials and research, particularly in areas with abundant agricultural or forestry residues. The focus lies on evaluating how locally available biomass can be transformed into reliable, high-carbon injectants or foaming agents. However, inconsistent feedstock quality and lack of standardized processing techniques remain primary obstacles to the mainstream use of biochar in metallurgical operations.

Key Findings of the Study

• In 2024 the Wood-based Biochar segment held the largest market share of 41.28% with value of 15,343.82 USD Thousand and is expected to growth with CAGR of 24.9% for the period 2025-2035.


• In 2024 the Slow Pyrolysis segment held the largest market share of 43.60 % with value of 16,208.46 USD Thousand and is expected to growth with CAGR of 24.9% for the period 2025-2035.


• In 2024 the Slag Foaming Agent segment held the largest market share of 43.37% with value of 16,120.57 USD Thousand and is expected to growth with CAGR of 25.4% for the period 2025-2035.


• In 2024, the Asia Pacific region held the largest market revenue share of 32.47%, with value 12,071.23 USD Thousand which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% in the period 2025-2035.


• Global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market Size was valued at 37,171.88 USD Thousand in 2024. The Global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking Market industry is projected to grow from 46,390.50 USD Thousand in 2025 to 4,42,437.31 USD Thousand by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).


• The key players in the global Biochar for Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking are: Airex Energy, BioCarbon, Carbo Culture, MYNO Carbon Corp., Meva Energy, Karmanterra, Envigas, Pyrochar, Chartechnologies along with other key players.