Net-negative emission opportunities for the iron and steel industry on a global scale

The iron and steel industry is a high energy-intensive and polluting sector, and its production is expected to increase in the coming decades. Therefore, the steel sector must follow a sustainable pathway to align with climate objectives. However, its decarbonization is challenging, as even replacing all fossil fuels with renewable energies, or developing new low-carbon technologies would not eradicate the CO2 emissions produced from the use of carbon-bearing materials. To achieve carbon neutrality in the steel industry, the use of biomass with carbon capture and storage/utilization can be an effective strategy as it can produce negative emissions to compensate for residual ones. In this regard, this study aims to analyze the role of negative emission technologies in the decarbonization of the steel sector using a mathematical energy prospective modeling tool called TIAM-FR. The analysis includes a literature review to identify potential applications of biomass in existing and innovative steel production technologies, which are integrated into the modeling tool. Additionally, efforts have been made to accurately identify in the model the sources of fossil and biogenic emissions to assess the feasibility of negative emission production. By implementing various scenarios, the study examines how negative emission technologies can contribute to decarbonizing the steel industry and thus help the industry achieve its climate objectives. The results highlight the necessity for the steel sector to pursue a net negative emissions pathway to achieve carbon-free steel production and support the decarbonization of other sectors. Without the use of biomass in the steel industry, the marginal cost of steel would significantly increase. The COREX and the direct reduction of iron coupled with carbon capture and storage technologies are key to deploying negative emissions in the steel sector, while other low-carbon technologies such as the electric arc furnace and the iron electrolysis also play crucial roles. International collaboration may be necessary to optimize global decarbonization investments and ensure effective implementation of negative emission technologies in the steel sector.