Spatially explicit transition pathways for decarbonizing China’s steel industry during 2030–2050

China’s steel industry has to achieve carbon-neutral by 2060, ideally by 2050. Current decarbonization roadmaps overlook the impact of resource geographical distribution on low-carbon technologies (scrap-based, H₂-based and biomass combined CO₂ capture and storage [BECCS]). Here, we used a spatially explicit approach incorporating provincial available biomass/H₂, steel plant locations and CO₂ storage sites combined a techno-economic selection model to explore carbon-neutral pathways for China’s steel industry (2030–2050). Results indicate that the modelling framework identifies the most cost-effective solutions for achieving nationwide carbon neutrality through a balanced mixture of above technologies, with BECCS being crucial. The mixture of options depend on the provincial availability and price levels of H₂ and biochar. Negative GHG emissions in one province can offset costly mitigation options in other provinces. Our results highlight the need for province-specific priorities for low-carbon steel plants based on regional resource availabilities to achieve national carbon neutrality and address resource challenges.