In the quest to mitigate climate change and create a greener world, one industry has long remained one of the most significant contributors to global carbon emissions: steel production. The production of steel is, by nature, a highly energy-intensive process. At its core, the production of steel involves the smelting of iron ore and the subsequent removal of impurities, including carbon.

To do so, the raw materials must be heated to extremely high temperatures, which historically has been achieved using coal or other fossil fuels. This traditional process, known as the Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) method, is responsible for roughly 7-9% of global carbon emissions.

While the carbon emissions associated with steel production are undeniably substantial, the importance of steel as the backbone of modern civilization cannot be overstated. The material’s versatility, durability, and strength make it indispensable for various sectors, such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

In the construction industry, for instance, steel is used to reinforce concrete and create structural components that provide support and stability to buildings and infrastructure. Meanwhile, in the transportation sector, steel plays a vital role in the production of automobiles, ships, trains, and planes, all of which are essential for the movement of goods and people.

The need for steel in a greener world is equally crucial, particularly as we transition to renewable energy sources and strive to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The production of wind turbines, for example, relies on steel for the tower, nacelle, and internal components, while solar power plants require steel in their mounting structures and support systems. Similarly, the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure, such as charging stations, depends on steel for its strength and durability.

Recognizing the inextricable link between steel production and climate change, the race to develop greener steel technologies has taken on a sense of urgency. As nations around the world commit to reducing carbon emissions, the pressure to innovate and create more sustainable steel production methods has never been higher. Various approaches are currently being pursued, from hydrogen-based steel production to the utilization of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, …