Towards lower CO2 emissions in iron and steel production: Life cycle energy demand-LEAP based multi-stage and multi-technique simulation

The energy-related CO2 emissions in all techniques used in the life cycle of iron and steel production (ISP) and mitigation measures need to be investigated. We combine life cycle energy demand and long-range energy alternatives planning to develop an integrated model. This model is firstly applied to measure the energy-related CO2 emissions in the life cycle of ISP including the stages of raw material acquisition, material processing, manufacturing and recycling in Jilin Province during 2020–2030. The model is also used to quantify the emission reduction potentials in three scenarios with different application levels of mitigation measures. Material processing induces over 80% of the life cycle CO2 emissions in all scenarios. A 13.90% reduction of CO2 emissions in 2030 is achieved in the low carbon scenario (LCS). 100% equipment large-scaling, application of hydrogen reduction ironmaking technology (HRIT) with a share of 30%, and increasing 15% of electric arc furnace (EAF) route contribute 29.67%, 19.55%, and 14.74% of total emission reduction in LCS, respectively. Achieving future low carbon development of ISP will depend heavily on the further increase in the proportions of HRIT, EAF route, and low carbon electricity. The findings are expected to provide government with references to formulating mitigation policies for ISP in China and other countries.