Emission mitigation techniques in steel manufacturing : towards a cleaner future

Abstract

The thesis comprehensively explores the steel industry’s crucial role in our society and its significant effects on the environment, especially CO₂ emissions. Considering that steel remains indispensable to us and sets the stage for growing demand in the decades to come, it is timely and essential to focus on CO₂ emissions and carbon capture technologies in the steel industry. The thesis aims to delve into various aspects of the sector, including major steelmaking processes, emissions quantification, and a portfolio of technological pathways to abate emissions (such as CCUS and using hydrogen as alternative to coal). Several case studies with recommendation remarks are provided for the purpose of showcasing how emission mitigation techniques have been effectively employed in practice. Despite multifaceted challenges, it remains viable to navigate the steel industry through these obstacles by robust policy support, focused carbon reduction actions, well-developed technologies, targeted strategies, effective knowledge sharing, and enhanced data collection and reporting. As a whole, a more resilient, sustainable, and eco-friendly future for the steelmaking sector can be ensured through joint efforts by policymakers, steel producers and associations, financial institutions and investors, steel-based companies, steel consumers and other stakeholders.