The iron and steel industry, a cornerstone of global manufacturing, is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint as nations strive for carbon neutrality. A recent study published in ‘工程科学学报’ (Journal of Engineering Science) by Yi Xing from the School of Energy and Environmental Engineering at the University of Science and Technology Beijing highlights innovative low-carbon technologies that could redefine the sector’s approach to emissions.
China’s ambitious targets to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 place the steel industry in a critical position, as it accounted for approximately 1.98 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020—over 18% of the nation’s total. “To meet these targets, we must explore low-carbon technologies across the entire steel production process,” said Yi Xing. This comprehensive analysis categorizes low-carbon technologies into three distinct levels: carbon dioxide emission reduction, zero carbon dioxide emission, and negative carbon dioxide emission.
The first level focuses on reducing emissions through process optimization. Techniques such as blast furnace top gas circulation technology demonstrate how reengineering production processes can significantly lower carbon outputs. The second level introduces groundbreaking methods like hydrogen metallurgical technology, which replaces traditional coal and coke with hydrogen or clean electricity, fundamentally shifting the source of emissions. “Transitioning to hydrogen as a reducing agent not only curtails emissions but opens up new avenues for sustainable energy use in steelmaking,” Xing emphasized.
The most ambitious approach lies in the negative carbon dioxide emissions category, which includes capturing carbon dioxide from the production process and repurposing it into valuable chemical products like methanol and ethanol. This not only mitigates emissions but also creates potential revenue streams for steel companies. Furthermore, the study discusses the geological storage of carbon dioxide, particularly near oil fields, as a viable strategy to sequester emissions effectively.
The implications of these findings are profound for the energy sector. As steel companies adopt these low-carbon technologies, they not only comply with regulatory demands but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability. This transition could attract investment and enhance competitiveness in a market increasingly driven by environmental considerations.
As Yi Xing concludes, “The future of the steel industry hinges on our ability to innovate and implement these low-carbon technologies effectively.” The research not only sheds light on the current landscape but also offers a roadmap for the industry to navigate the complexities of carbon reduction, potentially reshaping its future.
For further insights, you can access the research through the University of Science and Technology Beijing’s website at lead_author_affiliation.
