The steel industry is integral to modern infrastructure and technology, impacting sectors such as transportation, packaging, and construction. Here's a breakdown of current and projected steel use, production methods, and challenges faced by the industry in transitioning to greener practices: ### **Current and Future Steel Consumption** - **Annual Usage**: Currently, the world uses approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of steel each year. - **Projected Usage by 2050**: It is estimated that by 2050, global steel usage will increase to 2.5 billion tonnes. ### **Steel in Renewable Energy** - **Solar Power**: Producing one megawatt (MW) of solar energy capacity requires about 40 tonnes of steel. - **Wind Power**: For wind energy, the requirement increases to 100 tonnes of steel per MW. ### **Steel as a Low-Carbon Material** Steel is considered the optimal material in a low-carbon world due to its durability and recyclability. However, producing it sustainably is a significant challenge. ### **Decarbonization Costs and Challenges** - **Financial Requirement**: Decarbonizing the steel industry may cost around $6.2 trillion, with two-thirds of this amount depending on external factors, such as advancements in green technology. - **Energy Requirements**: The steel industry relies heavily on clean electricity, which is currently in insufficient supply to meet global needs. ### **Production Methods** - **Primary Steel Making**: Traditionally, steel is produced in blast furnaces, alongside newer methods like [[Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)]] and [[Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF)]] - **Secondary Steel Making**: This method recycles scrap steel, further reducing the carbon footprint of steel production. ### **Innovation in Steel Making** - **Direct Reduced Iron and Green Hydrogen**: DRI processes are being adapted to use green hydrogen, significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with steel production. Interesting: [Energy Transitions Commission](https://www.energy-transitions.org/) | [Mission Possible Partnership](https://missionpossiblepartnership.org/) and their Sector Transition Strategies | [First Movers Coalition](https://initiatives.weforum.org/first-movers-coalition/home) ---