Development of Low Carbon Technology in China’s Iron and Steel Industry

Abstract

As iron and steel production features high energy consumption and massive GHG emissions, the low carbon development of the industry is crucial for China’s INDC target. Multi-pronged measures should be taken to grapple with the problems with the industry to secure low-carbon green development. In terms of technical solutions for the low-carbon development of the industry, improvement is more likely on both the consumption and the production side. In terms of zero carbon technology of iron and steel production, hydrogen steelmaking and CCUS are among the few technical options for zero carbon development of the industry. It’s advised to enhance the overall management of China’s iron and steel industry both on the production and the consumption sides, promote R&D and application of new technologies for process improvement, make technological preparations for the recovery and recycling of steel scraps and short process steelmaking. In the long run, theoretical research, strategic analysis and construction planning is necessary for CCUS-hydrogen steelmaking as the goal, in a bid to facilitate the restructuring of China’s energy mix and achieve close to zero emissions in the industry. Before zero emission it will take long time for steel industry to transit. Step abatement of CO2 emission by technical innovation still is a main focus for most steel works.