Reduced process carbon footprint when reducing iron ore using high hydrogen injection

Steel production is responsible for around 10% of global direct CO2 emissions from fossil sources. In Quebec, more than 1 Mt of CO2 equivalent are emitted annually for a production of 1.5 Mt of steel. Reducing iron ore using fossil fuels is the step that contributes over 75% of the process's GHG emissions. These emissions can be reduced by increasing the proportion of hydrogen obtained from a source other than natural gas. The latter undergoes a reforming step where the carbon will eventually be emitted to the atmosphere in the form of CO2. It is around this idea that the project presented here revolves. The annual GHG reduction potential is 76 kt CO2e while that of natural gas consumption will be reduced by 27 kt. This represents a reduction of 8 and 9%, respectively.
On the one hand, the research component will enhance the scientific literature where the marked tangent of applied engineering, put forward by an industrial partnership, will take the form of intellectual property. This can be used worldwide for steel production and will benefit Quebec's economy and visibility. On the other hand, the resources will contribute to the training of qualified personnel through research projects and internships. The project will involve 2 master's level students, 2 postdoctoral fellows as well as research trainees. This approach is advantageous since the circular economy will require the vision of sustainable engineering that is born in research institutions. Finally, given the importance of hydrogen in a future green economy, Quebec will directly benefit from the increased demand for green hydrogen produced from its renewable energy mix.