Towards a Circular Steel Industry | IRENA
The iron and steel sector is responsible for roughly 7% of overall carbon dioxide emissions, making it one of the most notable contributors to climate change. However, the industry also plays a crucial role in the global economy, providing essential materials for infrastructure,
transportation and many other sectors. The production and consumption of steel are likely to rise with the growth of emerging economies.
Circularity approaches can help promote the efficient use of steel and its production inputs. Although these approaches are essential, they will not be sufficient to mitigate the environmental impacts arising from the steel sector in the long term. This report proposes
the use of renewable energy in steel production - as an integral component of circular approaches - to transform the steel industry as we strive to achieve a sustainable and netzero future. Adopting the circular principles presented in this report can help close the loop in the material value chain of steel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sector.
