Overall approach

The current production of iron and steel from iron ore is closely linked to carbon, and thus highly dependent on fossil fuels resulting in large amounts of CO₂. In order to reach the EU's climate goals, CO₂ emission must be decreased by at least 80 % until 2050 (based on 1990’s level), according to the European Steel Association (EUROFER). Only by means of process optimization, the reduction target cannot be reached, since European production routes, especially the Blast Furnace (BF)/Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) route perform at their physical thermodynamic limits. Therefore, new and innovative technologies (Breakthrough Technologies) are needed.

The RFCS accompanying measure project LowCarbonFuture collected, summarized, evaluated and promoted projects/research activities and knowledge concerning CO₂ mitigation in iron and steelmaking. Current pan-European research focus on the technological pathways Carbon Direct Avoidance (CDA) and Smart Carbon Usage (SCU).

CDA is based on "green" hydrogen and/or electricity, which enables steelmaking without the direct release of CO₂ (see Figure 1). The technology pathway SCU addresses the existing fossil fuel-based steelmaking routes and their modifications towards a carbon-lean production. SCU includes the pathway Process Integration (PI) and Carbon Capture and Usage (CCU) and can be applied in combination with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).