Saulo H. Freitas Seabra da Rocha

Prof. Dr. Saulo H. Freitas Seabra da Rocha serves as Professor in the Department of Environmental and Process Engineering at the Institute of Energy Systems and Energy Economics, Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences, where he has held a position since October 2011. He currently leads the Energy and Environmental Engineering (B.Sc.) program and participates in university governance as a member of the Research and Transfer Commission and Faculty Council of Department 1.

His academic foundation includes metallurgy studies at the Federal University of Minas Gerais and a distinguished doctorate (2010) from RWTH Aachen University's Teaching and Research Area for Coking Technology, focusing on briquetting metallurgical residues for blast furnace reuse. During his doctoral work, he founded Blackballs Technologies GmbH, specializing in mechanical and thermal process engineering solutions.

Prof. Seabra's research centers on alternative fuels, biomass processing, and waste recycling, with deep expertise in mechanical and thermal process engineering. His work specifically targets pelletization, briquetting, torrefaction, and carbonization of biomass and industrial residues to achieve resource efficiency through residue valorization. Current investigations emphasize sustainable pathways for steel industry decarbonization and energy system innovation.

Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on biomass-derived carbon carriers for CO2 reduction in ironmaking, alongside thermal conversion technologies for waste-to-energy applications. His research bridges fundamental laboratory analysis with industrial implementation, demonstrating strong alignment with circular economy principles across metallurgical and energy sectors.

Prof. Seabra secures competitive funding for projects including:

• COBI: CO2-neutral coke substitution using biomass residues in blast furnaces (BMBF, CLIENT)
• 3-D Ceramic Printer: Internal HRW research initiative
• Stroh-Energie.NRW: Regional biomass energy project (Efre, Ziel2.NRW)
• Carbonized Biomass for Cupola Furnaces: Alternative energy carriers development (AiF INAH)
• Innovative Agglomeration Procedures: Metallurgical residue processing (BMBF)

As program head, he oversees curriculum development and student mentorship in Energy and Environmental Engineering. He directs the institute's analytical laboratories, providing critical infrastructure for biomass and waste recycling research, with his team actively translating laboratory findings into industrial applications for steel and energy sectors.