The steel producer ArcelorMittal will manufacture, using renewable energy, XCarb neutral carbon steel with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions.
According to a study by ArcelorMittal, each MW of solar energy requires 35 to 45 tons of steel. In the case of wind energy, approximately 120 to 180 tons of steel are required, that is, these renewable energies have a great demand for steel and metal. The study also states that the two energies together should double their capacities in the next five years. This year alone, renewable energies will reach a record expansion, with a 10% increase compared to last year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA in English).
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In a recent press release, steel producer ArcelorMittal commented on the start of manufacturing carbon neutral steel, known as XCarb, to serve customers who are in the process of switching to low carbon, with emphasis on renewable energy.
company words
According to ArcelorMittal, the low-carbon process will require much more metal than usual. The carbon neutral steel will be made from recycled materials, using renewable energy, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint, reducing up to one tonne to 300kg of CO2.
According to an explanation by ArcelorMittal's Environment analyst, Leonardo Ribeiro, during a webinar on the Circular Economy, steel is and has great potential to be recycled infinitely, ranging from 85% to 90%, depending on the use of the material.
Circular economy practices with renewable energy
The steel industries are one of the biggest emitters of CO2. ArcellorMittal is adhering to circular economy practices to achieve carbon neutrality, expected by 2050.
Replacing fossil coal in the ovens with biochar, made from renewable energy, is one of AcelorMittal's practices, therefore, the CO2 emitted will be converted into bioethanol, used to manufacture low-carbon chemical products. Also to reduce the use of coal, another practice involves the capture of residual gases that are rich in hydrogen to be injected into the steelmaking blast furnaces.
XCarb is designed to bring together all of ArcelorMittal's low and zero carbon products and steelmaking activities, as well as broader initiatives and green innovation projects, into a single focused effort to achieve demonstrable progress towards carbon neutral steel. .
The company's steel veres certificates
Efficiency in production with the use of renewable energy will be passed on to customers in the form of green certificates. Reductions in carbon emissions will be independently accounted for and verified, and shortly thereafter will be converted into green steel certificates.
The company expects to have 600 tons by the end of 2022, equivalent to green steel certificates. According to the CEO of ArcelorMittal, Aditya Mittal, at the launch of XCarb, the company plays an important role, with renewable energy, in helping society achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and is determined to be a leader in the shift to CO2 neutral steel.
“The XCarb serves as demonstrable evidence of our determination and accelerated commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We will continue to drive innovation to meet our decarbonization targets and are committed to leading the industry's transition to carbon neutral steel. We have the scale, resources, technological capability and ambition to make a significant impact.”
