Transition to Sustainable Steelmaking

Abstract

It would be hard to imagine a modern society without steel. Nevertheless, its production is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. With the growing awareness of the damage that is caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the search for sustainable production technologies has intensified in recent decades. A few attractive concepts have emerged but are not yet ready for deployment. The development of innovative greenish technologies and their commercial viability will depend on the implementation of appropriate policies for environmental protection. Here we assess the reasons why steel production pollutes so much, the current status of sustainable technologies, and the policies that might make for a better future.