Technological potentials for CO 2 emission reduction in the global iron and steel industry

The goal of this paper is to quantify baseline emissions and to analyse CO2 global emission reduction potentials in the iron and steel life cycle. First the paper discusses current CO2 emissions in the global iron and steel industry. Next, the global emission reduction potentials are analysed. According to this study, global CO2 emissions in the life cycle of iron and steel amounted to 2100-2450 Mt CO2 in 1999. This represents 9-10% of the global total CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use and industrial processes. Two thirds of this emission is accounted for by coal use. Upstream emissions in electricity production and in transportation are also important. During the next two decades, emissions can be reduced by more than 1000 Mt. This emission reduction can be achieved at cost levels below 2,000 ¥/t CO2 (125 ¥ = 1 US$). This cost level is low, compared to other industrial emission sources.