Comparison of Life Cycle GHG Emissions for Iron and Steel Production via Natural Gas– and Hydrogen-Based Routes

Steel decarbonization is a growing research area due to the scale of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from iron and steel manufacturing. Several solutions involving feed and fuel switching from coal are being developed. Using a hybrid (process modeling and literature data) life cycle inventory approach, the life cycle GHGs associated with natural gas– and hydrogen-based routes for steelmaking are compared on a cradle-to-gate basis. Results suggest that switching from coal to hydrogen produced via SMR or ATR and CCS has significant emissions reduction potential. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the effects of key process and supply chain variables.

Aseel Bala | ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co.
 

Experience Nduagu | ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co.
 

Srinivasan Rajagopalan | ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co.