SEWGS integration in a direct reduction steelmaking process for CO2 mitigation

Abstract

The iron and steel industry represents one of the most carbon intensive sectors accounting for roughly 25% of CO2 emissions generated by the industrial sectors and for 7% of total energy sector emissions. The aim of this work is to assess the techno-economic analysis of the integration of the SEWGS technology in the DRI-EAF process to reduce the carbon footprint of this steelmaking route. The study has been carried out using plant data taken from literature and investigating possibilities of GHG mitigation by introducing carbon-capture technologies such as MEA and MDEA scrubbing or the SEWGS technology. The latter solution shows environmental and economic advantages compared to the cases based on amine scrubbing. A reduction of CO2 emissions close to 90%, with respect to the BF-BOF route, can be achieved with the implementation of the SEWGS when a renewable electricity scenario is considered. Economic KPIs such as the Levelised Cost of Hot Rolled Coil and the Cost of CO2 avoided have been computed for all the plants. In addition, a sensitivity analysis on natural gas and electricity prices has been carried out. The integration of the SEWGS technology represents a promising solution for the reduction of the carbon footprint of the DRI-EAF process and, potentially, it could be commercially viable in the near future considering that the DRI and EAF processes are already globally commercialised.