SUSTAIN Steel's story
Steel production is an energy-intensive process as it requires high temperatures to transform iron ore into steel. The energy and heat from the processes come from fossil fuels, primarily coal (which is both a feedstock and a fuel). As a result, the amount of CO2 emissions from steel manufacturing is almost double the amount of steel created: 1.9 tonnes of carbon per 1 tonne of steel. If steel were a nation, it would be the fifth largest producer of carbon emissions in the world.
SUSTAIN is a research hub focused on sustainable steel manufacturing, with a seven-year research horizon. During this time frame, the hub aims to deliver the science and engineering research required to create carbon neutral, resource-efficient UK steel supply chains – and with it, high-value jobs and investment to the UK.
Six UK universities are currently involved, across three locations – Swansea, Sheffield and Warwick. They are addressing two ‘grand challenges’: carbon neutral steelmaking and smart steel processing. The first is to develop innovative methods to eliminate the carbon footprint of the steelmaking processes and hence provide a sustainable method of production for a carbon neutral industry. The second is to develop smart tracking technologies into the established supply chain and customer base – describing the manufacturing process and tracing sourced materials on a product-by-product basis – and give end customers full confidence in product performance, ethical raw material sourcing, production and carbon footprint.
To develop systems for carbon neutral iron and steelmaking, and create a commercially viable green steel market, a collaborative approach is critical by research bodies, industry, government and end customers – working locally, nationally and internationally.
SUSTAIN is a research hub focused on sustainable steel manufacturing, with a seven-year research horizon. During this time frame, the hub aims to deliver the science and engineering research required to create carbon neutral, resource-efficient UK steel supply chains – and with it, high-value jobs and investment to the UK.
Six UK universities are currently involved, across three locations – Swansea, Sheffield and Warwick. They are addressing two ‘grand challenges’: carbon neutral steelmaking and smart steel processing. The first is to develop innovative methods to eliminate the carbon footprint of the steelmaking processes and hence provide a sustainable method of production for a carbon neutral industry. The second is to develop smart tracking technologies into the established supply chain and customer base – describing the manufacturing process and tracing sourced materials on a product-by-product basis – and give end customers full confidence in product performance, ethical raw material sourcing, production and carbon footprint.
To develop systems for carbon neutral iron and steelmaking, and create a commercially viable green steel market, a collaborative approach is critical by research bodies, industry, government and end customers – working locally, nationally and internationally.
Useful learnings from SUSTAIN Steel
Steel is one of the world’s most sustainable materials: forever reusable and the most recycled substance on the planet. Building a more sustainable production process is an investment that will yield enormous environmental benefits over the full lifecycle of green steel.
As companies face more pressure to reduce their scope 3 emissions, demand for low-carbon supplies, including steel, is growing. In particular, car manufacturers (which account for 12% of the world’s steel use) are accelerating decarbonisation initiatives and seeking cleaner inputs.
Given the relatively large carbon footprint of steel production, even small steps will make a big difference in moving the industry closer to carbon neutrality.
SUSTAIN Steel's metrics
To implement world-leading intelligent infrastructure by 2030.
To double steel GVA (Gross Value Added) by 2030.
To develop systems for carbon neutral iron and steelmaking by 2040.
To double steel GVA (Gross Value Added) by 2030.
To develop systems for carbon neutral iron and steelmaking by 2040.
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