Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction in Steel Production: Synergy and Optimization Based on Long and Short Processes

Abstract

In light of global climate crisis, it is imperative to implement measures aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in the iron and steel industry. This study focuses on the development of innovative methodologies for minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions during steel production, with particular emphasis on the synergistic optimization of both long- and short-flow steelmaking processes. A carbon flow model has been constructed to analyze the material and energy flows associated with long-process (BF–BOF) and short-process (electric arc furnace (EAF)) steelmaking, as well as to assess the potential for carbon reduction through industrial symbiotic technologies. The findings illustrate that in the S2 scenario, where the proportion of EAF steel is increased to 50%, carbon emissions are reduced to 1,464.12 kg tcs, representing an 18.9% decrease. This reduction is lower than that achieved by traditional long-process steelmaking; and the industrial symbiosis technologies, such as chemical production and coke oven gas hydrogen production, can facilitate an additional reduction in carbon emissions of 41.33 kg tcs. This study offers a new pathway and reference for the green transformation of the iron and steel industry.