Steel, cement... An NGO questions the difficulty of decarbonizing them

Decarbonizing iron, steel, and cement is "not only possible but entirely achievable with existing and emerging technologies," Climate Analytics said, challenging the status of "hard-to-abate" activities.

The organization recognizes, however, that "the technical and process challenges in these sectors are not insignificant" and calls for the implementation of "comprehensive" approaches, supported by "solid policy frameworks." Alternatives may also be more costly at present.

Sectors identified as difficult to decarbonize, in addition to iron and steel and cement, include fertilizer production, petrochemicals, aviation, and shipping. Together, these sectors account for between one-fifth and one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Steel and iron production is responsible for 7 to 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, Climate Analytics points out. To reduce its footprint, the German-based association recommends increasing the use of secondary or recycled steel.

Regarding cement, which accounts for between 5 and 8% of carbon emissions, the association regrets that there is "little pressure or encouragement to challenge a successful but high-emission business model," and that the plans currently adopted by the sector rely "particularly on CCUS," carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This, "even though there are very few examples of concrete deployment."

Furthermore, this technology "does not reduce emissions to the levels necessary to limit global warming to 1,5 degrees" above pre-industrial levels, the association believes.

Climate Analytics finally calculated that, based on current policies, emissions from the steel sector will fall "by only 10%", and those from cement "will increase by 4%" by 2050. To limit global warming to 1,5 degrees, their emissions would have to be reduced by 23% in 2030 (compared to 2023), by 46% by 2035 and by 94% by 2050.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.