Role of steel

Steel production accounts for 8% of global emissions, underscoring the industry's significant impact on our daily lives. Recognizing this, it is essential to contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. By setting ambitious goals, the aim is to ensure a future filled with opportunities for the generations to come.

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Decarbonization of Steel Production

Introduction: The Path to Climate-Neutral Europe by 2050 

The European Union is committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. However, industrial and power plants currently account for 40% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. To meet this target, six or seven hard-to-abate emitters must achieve carbon neutrality every week. Among the highest-emitting sectors is the steel industry, responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions. The HYDREAMS project is dedicated to helping reduce these emissions by introducing innovative, hydrogen-based technologies for steel production. 

The Challenge: Decarbonizing the Steel Industry 

  • Global Steel Emissions: The steel sector is one of the most challenging to decarbonize, with significant energy consumption contributing to high CO2 emissions. Heating processes in steel production alone accounted for up to 39 billion tons of CO2 globally in 2021. 
  • Steel's Role in Industry: Steel is a critical material with over 2500 varieties, known for its strength, durability, and recyclability. The European steel industry cannot operate without it, and it is the world’s most recycled material, accounting for 45% of total steel production. 
  • Energy Use in Steel: Energy consumption represents around 88% of the CO2 emissions in steel production. To achieve further reductions in emissions, significant process innovations are required.