The steel industry is facing a turning point: on the one hand, steel is an indispensable material in almost all branches of industry, but on the other hand, its production contributes significantly to global CO₂ emissions. However, the vision of green steel, which is produced with greatly reduced emissions, could be a major step towards climate neutrality. Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG shows how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.
What is "green steel"?
Green steel is produced using processes that replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources and green hydrogen. The aim is to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of steel production. Traditional processes based on blast furnaces generate up to two tons of CO₂ per ton of steel. In comparison, the specific CO₂ emissions of electric arc furnaces that work with scrap are around 200 kilograms.
In addition, the term "green steel" is increasingly associated with a holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses the entire life cycle of the steel. This includes optimizing recycling processes to maximize the reuse of raw materials while further reducing energy consumption.
"The path to green steel production is technologically possible, but an immense challenge in terms of infrastructure and economics." - Florian Schneller, steel technologist
The technologies behind green steel
The production of green steel is based on two main processes:
- Electric arc furnaces (EAF): these use recycled scrap as a raw material and melt it using electricity from renewable sources.
- Direct reduction (DRI): Here, iron ore is reduced using hydrogen instead of coal. The end product, sponge iron, can then be processed in electric arc furnaces.
In addition, hybrid processes are being developed that can further increase the efficiency of these technologies. These include the use of waste heat from industrial processes to minimize energy consumption and the use of digitalized control systems that optimize the use of resources.
"The challenge lies in the availability of green hydrogen and the infrastructure to implement these technologies on a large scale."
The current situation
Green steel currently only accounts for around 1% of global steel production - a drop in the ocean. However, pilot projects such as "H2 Green Steel" show that the change has begun. However, the limited availability of renewable energies and the high costs are key hurdles.
Initiatives at a political level, such as the European "Green Deal" strategy, also underline the importance of decarbonizing the steel industry. These programs are intended to create incentives to accelerate the development of green technologies and support companies in the transition to sustainable production methods.
"There is still a lack of capacity worldwide for large-scale hydrogen production. Converting the infrastructure will take time and require massive investment."
Importance for key industries
Automotive industry
With steel accounting for 50-60% of vehicle weight, the automotive industry is under immense pressure. Strict EU regulations and growing consumer and investor expectations are driving the use of green steel.
Car manufacturers increasingly see green steel as a competitive advantage. For example, companies are working on concepts for "net zero emissions" across the entire supply chain, which is also boosting demand for sustainable materials.
"Sustainable materials are essential for the success of tomorrow's mobility. Companies such as Volvo and BMW are already focusing on green steel."
Construction industry
Green steel is also becoming increasingly important in the construction sector. Certifications such as LEED and BREEAM promote the use of sustainable materials to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
Innovations such as modular steel systems, which can be easily dismantled and reused, also help to minimize the environmental impact of construction. The use of green steel is seen here as a key contribution to creating a circular economy.
Challenges in production
The switch to green steel poses numerous challenges:
- High costs: new technologies and equipment are expensive.
- Technology: Many processes are not yet fully developed and are still in the test phase.
- High energy requirements:Both direct reduction and electric arc furnaces require considerable amounts of electricity from renewable sources.
- Lack of infrastructure: Electricity grids need to be expanded and hydrogen networks established in order to meet the growing demand.
In addition, cooperation models between industry and energy providers are becoming increasingly important. Joint investment in the necessary infrastructure and research could accelerate the transition.
"The energy requirements of steel production are enormous. Without sufficient renewable energy, the transition will not succeed."
Looking to the future: green steel by 2030
According to forecasts, the share of green steel in global production could rise to 10-20% by 2030. However, this requires decisive action:
- Investment: expansion of renewable energies and hydrogen production.
- Political support: introduction of CO₂ prices and subsidy programs.
- Innovation: further development of existing processes and infrastructure.
Long-term prospects indicate that green steel could not only be a climate-friendly alternative, but also an important driver of economic growth. Companies that focus on green technologies at an early stage could secure decisive competitive advantages.
"The transition to green steel is not only a technological task, but also a social one."
Conclusion: Why green steel is essential
Green steel is key to the decarbonization of industry. From the automotive to the construction industry, it enables more sustainable production and helps to achieve global climate targets. But getting there requires collaboration: companies, politicians and consumers must do their part to overcome the challenges of costs, energy requirements and infrastructure.
The commitment of companies such as Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG shows that change is not only possible, but can also be economically viable. At the same time, society needs to be made more aware of the importance of sustainable production methods.
"Only through joint efforts can we successfully shape the transformation to a climate-neutral industry."
With green steel, Breitenfeld Edelstahl AG offers a vision for the future. A vision in which sustainable innovations form the basis for economic and commercial success and ecological responsibility.
