The circular economy in the steel industry could reduce carbon emissions

While most countries are working to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement, they must look beyond the most obvious industries to reduce carbon emissions.

Increased steel recycling and a focus on energy decarbonisation, as well as emission control technologies, are needed to decarbonise steel industry production, which continues to account for a considerable share of global carbon emissions, according to a new report.

The Paris Agreement

It is a global agreement on climate change reached on December 12, 2015 in Paris. The agreement presents an action plan for limiting global warming „well below” 2°C. It covers the period starting from 2020. In order to stay within the limits of 1.5°C, considerable changes must be implemented in the way energy is produced. As well as in the way it is consumed. However, while the burning of fossil fuels is one aspect of decarbonising the world economy in line with global targets. Other processes such as those used to create steel and cement also generate carbon emissions that need to be decarbonised.

A study based on data collected by the Climate Action Tracker. An independent science-based assessment of global efforts to reduce emissions, suggested that circular economy principles could have a major impact on the steel industry. The report presents three scenarios that would follow a reduction of the carbon impact of the steel sector. In accordance with the global objectives. The research considers a broad approach, starting from the improvement of key fuel processes to a broader circular economic model for the respective industries.

Demand for steel, particularly in developing economies. Has seen steady growth in global production, particularly in China. As the economy has expanded rapidly through, among other things, infrastructure investment.

The increase in production determined a strong increase in the industry’s impact on global emissions. From 1.3 Gt to 2.8 Gt in the period 1990-2015. Or approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2012.

Solutions are being sought and scenarios are being made to reduce carbon emissions

Scenario A would continue to maintain current trends only with increased efficiency improvements. And increased EAF steel production rates in line with scrap availability. This scenario assumes a considerable drop in demand.

Scenario B observes the same negative increase in demand, but with the decarbonization of electricity production and the concentrated increase in energy efficiency.

Finally, in scenario C, in which circular economic principles are used, the focus is on maximizing the use of waste. As well as on reducing demand and increasing energy efficiency and, therefore, it will include the less polluting procedure of EAF.

Regarding the cumulative results from the different scenarios, research indicates considerable gains for switching to scenario C.

The authors of the study: „However, in cumulative terms, that is, taking into account the amount of emissions in the period 2016-2050. This difference is 6% for the EU and 10% for China. In scenario C, emissions are further reduced; by 2050, emissions from the steel sector in the EU and China are 34% and 51% lower than scenario 1. Cumulatively, this translates into reductions of 8% and 14%.”

Article source: https://www.consultancy.uk/news/14853/circular-economics-in-steel-industry-could-reduce-carbon-emissions