A review on green steel; introduction, benefits and challenges of the steelmaking industry

The steel industry is vital, producing around 1.8 billion tonnes of steel annually, contributing to around 8% of global CO 2 emissions (around 2.6 billion tonnes annually). In many developed countries, this industry is evolving to balance industrial growth with environmental protection. The concept of ‘green steel’ aims to significantly reduce these emissions using methods that minimise reliance on fossil fuels. Techniques such as electric arc furnaces can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%, while hydrogen-based steelmaking has the potential to produce near-zero emissions. In countries such as Japan and India, government policies are pushing the steel industry towards greener practices, and targets for net-zero emissions have been set for 2050 and 2070. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including competing with cheaper imports with higher carbon footprints and the need for advanced technologies to generate efficient green electricity. Addressing these economic and technology is essential to achieving a sustainable steelmaking future that aligns with global environmental goals.