Decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors: experimentation, simulation, and analysis of alternative iron reduction methods for green steel production

This doctoral thesis aims to investigate and develop innovative and alternative solutions to address the crucial challenge of decarbonizing the steel industry. The steel industry, a fundamental pillar for the technological and infrastructural advancement of modern society, is also one of the primary contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. This environmental responsibility necessitates the identification of effective and sustainable solutions to drastically reduce the carbon footprint associated with steel production, a key yet highly energy-intensive material. The research explores various green steel production technologies, with a specific focus on the use of green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis and the gasification of biomass and solid waste. These solutions offer promising prospects for minimizing the environmental impact of steel and represent a significant step toward a more sustainable production chain. Additionally, the thesis examines the potential integration of ammonia as an energy carrier within the green steel production cycle. This solution addresses the challenge of geographic distance between hydrogen production plants and steel manufacturing facilities, providing a flexible option for the transportation and storage of low-carbon energy. Lastly, the thesis explores the hydrometallurgical approach as an alternative pathway for steel production, employing both modelling methods and practical experiments. This approach opens up new possibilities for using low-grade iron ores, thereby addressing issues related to the scarcity of high-quality resources. This work contributes to outlining a clear and sustainable path for the steel industry, with the aim of significantly reducing emissions and promoting the large-scale adoption of green technologies.