Tag: Decarbonization

According to the IPCC, natural carbon sinks currently absorb roughly half of all human-caused carbon dioxide emissions each year. This crucial natural process, along with emerging technological solutions, plays a vital role in answering the question, "Can carbon be absorbed?" and mitigating global climate change.

While the blast furnace route for steelmaking has dominated for centuries, the direct reduced iron (DRI) process has gained prominence for its lower emissions. Central to this more sustainable method, the key component of DRI is the reducing agent, which facilitates the crucial chemical reaction to convert iron ore into metallic iron without melting it.

According to the World Steel Association, steel is the most widely used and most recycled metallic material on Earth. This high demand for steel, and consequently iron ore, is primarily caused by accelerating urbanization, massive infrastructure development, and industrial growth in emerging economies.

The steel industry, a major global energy consumer, is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability. At the center of this shift is Direct Reduced Iron, or DRI, a pivotal material whose production offers a more energy-efficient pathway for making steel. Understanding the role of DRI in energy and heavy manufacturing is key to comprehending the future of green industry.

With some regions, like New York State, mandating that 70% of electricity be met by renewable sources by 2030, the global push for clean energy is accelerating. So how exactly will 70% of our energy requirements be met by a combination of new and existing clean power technologies and strategic policy decisions? The answer lies in a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that combines scalable renewable generation with smart grid technologies and advanced energy storage solutions.

Steel production currently accounts for roughly 8% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the most carbon-intensive industries. The development of green iron offers a viable pathway to dramatically reduce this environmental impact by using renewable energy and hydrogen instead of traditional fossil fuels.

Global production of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) surpassed 140 million tons in 2024, confirming that DRI is used around the world as a critical input for steelmaking. This technology is expanding beyond its traditional hubs to meet increasing global demand for cleaner, high-quality steel.

Petroleum has been the lifeblood of modern civilization for over a century, fueling transportation, manufacturing, and our food systems. However, as the push for decarbonization and climate action intensifies, many are asking: is it possible to live without oil?