A new eucalyptus clone has been developed by the bioenergy arm of the world's largest steel company, ArcelorMittal, specifically for use as a fuel source in steel-making processes.
It is hoped that charcoal from the fast-growing timber will be a renewable alternative to coal in the manufacturing processes. Prior to its development, charcoal had been unsuitable for use in steel making as it could not withstand the weights needed to be put on it during the process.
Tests on the new charcoal, however, have shown that it can withstand pressure of up to 220 pounds per square inch.
