The perspective of hydrogen direct reduction of iron

Abstract

The work proposes a perspective on the direct reduction of iron (DRI) using hydrogen. Typically, iron is produced in blast furnaces (BFI) by the reduction of iron ore with carbon-rich materials such as coal or coke. Greenhouse emissions may be drastically reduced by introducing DRI coal/oil-based, and further reduced by using methane-based DRI. By increasing the share of hydrogen in the reducing gas by the addition of green hydrogen, the GHG emission further reduces. While hydrogen DRI becomes competitive for GHG emission with methane-based DRI once the electricity indirect emissions of GHG fall below 120 g CO2 per kWh, the full potential of hydrogen DRI is achieved phased with the complete uptake of green hydrogen, which is an essential component of a zero-emission stable electric grid fed with non-dispatchable renewables, as well as zero-emission non-electric total primary energy uses. The market perspective for hydrogen DRI in the short term is quite promising, and it is gaining significant attention and interest within the iron and steel industry. Key factors contributing to its market perspective are decarbonization and climate goals, policy support and incentives, investor interest, industry collaboration, technological advancements, sustainability, and brand value.