Rapid implementation of mitigation measures can facilitate decarbonization of the global steel sector in 1.5°C-consistent pathways
Simone Speizer, Siddarth Durga, Nina Blahut, Molly Charles, Johanna Lehne, Jae Edmonds, Sha Yu
Abstract
Steel production is highly CO 2 -emission intensive, posing a significant challenge for economy-wide deep decarbonization. Emerging technologies involving hydrogen or carbon capture could abate steel sector emissions, particularly alongside energy and material efficiency measures and increased steel scrap recycling. However, the potential of these mitigation strategies has not been assessed globally with consideration of the sector's role within broader economic and environmental systems. Here, we use an integrated assessment model to evaluate global and regional steel sector transition pathways consistent with limiting end-of-century warming to 1.5°C. We find that rapid deployment of efficiency measures and low-carbon technologies mitigates the risk of stranded assets and reduces near- and medium-term steel sector emissions beyond levels found in prior studies. Carbon capture and improvements in material efficiency contribute most to reducing steel emissions worldwide. Our results highlight the tradeoffs associated with different steel sector transition pathways and their implications for overall decarbonization efforts.