Decarbonizing Steel: The Industry's Path to Net-zero Emissions

Andrew Crawford

doi:10.37421/2472-0437.2025.11.294

Short Communication - (2025) Volume 11, Issue 1

Decarbonizing Steel: The Industry's Path to Net-zero Emissions

Andrew Crawford^*

^*Correspondence: Andrew Crawford, Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi, Turin, Italy, Email:

Author information

Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi, Turin, Italy

Received: 13-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. jssc-25-161667; Editor assigned: 15-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. P-161667; Reviewed: 27-Jan-2025, QC No. Q-161667; Revised: 01-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. R-161667; Published: 08-Feb-2025 , DOI: 10.37421/2472-0437.2025.11.294
Citation: Crawford, Andrew. "Decarbonizing Steel: The Industry's Path to Net-zero Emissions." J Steel Struct Constr 11 (2025): 294.
Copyright: © 2025 Crawford A. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Introduction

Steel production is one of the most carbon-intensive industries, accounting for nearly 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With growing climate concerns and ambitious net-zero targets, the steel industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward greener production methods. Decarbonizing steel is essential to achieving a sustainable industrial future and this transition relies on innovations in technology, alternative materials and regulatory support [1]. One of the most promising methods for decarbonizing steel is replacing traditional blast furnace technology with Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) that utilize scrap steel. This significantly reduces emissions as EAFs require less energy and can be powered by renewable electricity. However, to fully transition, the supply of high-quality scrap steel must increase and advanced sorting and recycling techniques need to be enhanced.

For existing steel plants, carbon capture, utilization and storage presents an interim solution to reduce emissions. By capturing carbon before it enters the atmosphere and either storing it underground or repurposing it for industrial use, CCUS can help decarbonize conventional steelmaking. Despite its potential, CCUS remains expensive and requires further investment to become commercially viable [2]. Government regulations and carbon pricing mechanisms play a crucial role in driving the decarbonization of steel. The European Unionâ??s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the United Statesâ?? clean energy incentives are examples of policies pushing industries to adopt low-carbon processes. Additionally, consumer demand for sustainable products is encouraging manufacturers to invest in green steel, with major automotive and construction companies committing to low-carbon supply chains.

Description

Despite technological advancements, major challenges remain. The high cost of green steel production, infrastructure limitations and the need for a stable renewable energy supply pose significant barriers. Collaboration among governments, steel manufacturers and investors is critical to scaling up green steel production. Continued research and development, along with stronger policy frameworks, will determine the pace at which the industry can achieve net-zero emissions [3]. Decarbonizing the steel industry is a complex but necessary endeavor for global climate goals. With advancements in hydrogen-based reduction, electric arc furnaces and carbon capture technologies, the path to net-zero emissions is becoming clearer. However, overcoming financial and infrastructure barriers will require collective action from industry leaders, policymakers and consumers. By embracing innovation and sustainability, the steel sector can forge a cleaner, greener future while maintaining its essential role in the global economy [4].

The transition to green steel is a crucial step in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Traditional steelmaking, which relies heavily on coal-based blast furnaces, is responsible for nearly 7-9% of global COâ?? emissions. Green steel, on the other hand, aims to decarbonize the industry by using cleaner alternatives such as hydrogen-based direct reduced iron [5]. Another critical aspect of this transition is the increased adoption of recycled steel. Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) powered by renewable energy can efficiently melt scrap steel, reducing the demand for virgin iron ore and lowering emissions significantly. Circular economy principles, such as improving steel recycling rates and designing products for easy material recovery, further support this shift. However, transitioning to green steel comes with challenges. High costs of green hydrogen production, limited renewable energy availability and the need for infrastructure upgrades pose significant barriers. Governments and industries must collaborate to create policy incentives, subsidies and carbon pricing mechanisms to make green steel economically viable.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, the momentum toward green steel is growing. With increasing pressure from regulators, investors and consumers, steelmakers are accelerating their sustainability efforts. The successful adoption of green steel will play a pivotal role in decarbonizing heavy industries and ensuring a more sustainable future for global manufacturing and construction sectors. To mitigate the impact of steel shortages, various strategies need to be implemented. Governments and industry leaders can work together to enhance steel production capacity by investing in new manufacturing technologies and expanding steel mill operations. Diversifying supply chains and reducing dependence on a few key steel-producing countries can also help stabilize the market.