The steel industry is a big part of worldwide industrial development. Traditionally, steel production relies on blast furnaces, which consume vast amounts of coal, emitting substantial greenhouse gases and generating considerable waste heat. This traditional process not only contributes to environmental impact but also is energy-intensive and inefficient, especially when turning the furnaces on and off.
Why do we see a transition to more sustainable green steel?
In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable steel, the steel industry is witnessing a transformative switch towards zero-emission production methods. A significant factor in this transformation is electric arc furnaces (EAFs). These furnaces offer a greener alternative by utilizing electricity to melt scrap metal, direct reduced iron (DRI) or hot briquetted iron (HBI). These furnaces are not only capable of reducing greenhouse gasses but are also highly efficient because of their ability to be quickly turned on and off, thereby minimizing energy loss.
As part of the broader decarbonization effort within the steel industry, a major focus in 2023 has been on the adoption of new technologies and processes aimed at reducing the industry's carbon footprint. Innovative approaches such as hydrogen-based steelmaking are gaining traction, along with a heightened focus on the production of green steel, which significantly lowers emissions throughout the manufacturing process. This transition to more environmental sustainability is in alignment with global/EU climate targets and evolving regulatory demands. The steel industry is responsible for around 5% of CO2 emissions in the EU and 7% globally. It needs to develop and commercialise new low-CO2 technologies within the next 5-10 years in order to be in line with the EU’s climate targets [joint research centre].
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