What is Green Steel ?

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Green steel refers to steel produced using methods that significantly reduce or eliminate carbon emissions, compared to traditional steel-making processes that rely on coal and coke. The goal is to decarbonize the steel industry, which is one of the largest industrial sources of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Key Features of Green Steel

  1. Hydrogen-based Production:

    • Replacing coal with green hydrogen (produced using renewable energy) in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes to reduce iron ore.
    • Emits water vapor instead of CO₂.

  2. Electric Arc Furnace (EAF):

    • Uses electricity, preferably from renewable sources, to melt scrap steel or reduced iron.
    • Produces significantly lower emissions compared to traditional blast furnaces.

  3. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS):

    • Captures CO₂ emissions from traditional steel-making processes for reuse or storage, reducing net emissions.

  4. Renewable Energy Integration:

    • Using solar, wind, or other renewable sources to power steel production facilities.

Benefits of Green Steel

  • Drastically reduces the carbon footprint of steel, contributing to global decarbonization goals.
  • Helps industries meet carbon neutrality targets and comply with stricter environmental regulations.
  • Drives innovation and supports a circular economy through recycling and clean energy.

Challenges

  • High production costs due to the expensive technology and infrastructure required.
  • Limited availability of green hydrogen and renewable energy.
  • Scaling up production to meet global steel demand.

Examples and Initiatives

  • HYBRIT Project (Sweden): A collaboration between SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall to produce fossil-free steel using hydrogen.
  • ArcelorMittal: Investing in low-carbon technologies, including hydrogen-based steelmaking.
  • Tata Steel (India): Exploring green steel options using hydrogen and renewable energy.

Green steel is a critical innovation in transitioning heavy industries towards sustainable practices, aligning with global climate goals like the Paris Agreement.

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