Multi-process production occurs in the iron and steel industry, supporting 'dual carbon' target: An in-depth study of...

Reducing CO₂ emissions of the iron and steel industry, a typical heavy CO₂-emitting sector, is the only way that must be passed to achieve the 'dual-carbon' goal, especially in China. In previous studies, however, it is still unknown what is the difference between blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF), scrap-electric furnace (scrap-EF) and hydrogen metallurgy process. The quantitative research on the key factors affecting CO₂ emissions is insufficient. There is also a lack of research on the prediction of CO₂ emissions by adjusting industrial structure. Based on material flow analysis, this study establishes carbon flow diagrams of three processes, and then analyze the key factors affecting CO₂ emissions. CO₂ emissions of the iron and steel industry in the future is predicted by adjusting industrial structure. The results show that: (1) The CO₂ emissions of BF-BOF, scrap-EF and hydrogen metallurgy process in a site are 1417.26, 542.93 and 1166.52 kg, respectively. (2) By increasing pellet ratio in blast furnace, scrap ratio in electric furnace, etc., can effectively reduce CO₂ emissions. (3) Reducing the crude steel output is the most effective CO₂ reduction measure. There is still 5.15 × 10⁸-6.17 × 10⁸ tons of CO₂ that needs to be reduced by additional measures.