Overview

Steel is a vital part of our society because it is integral to the construction of homes, schools, hospitals, vehicles for transport, packaging, as well as the infrastructure to decarbonise multiple different sectors. However, steel production comes with a significant environmental burden: in 2020, steel was responsible for between 7–9% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

In this webinar, we will introduce steel production and where the emissions arise by examining steel demand and current technologies in use for crude steel production. Then, we will look at the pathways and collaborative initiatives that will enable us to reduce the CO2 emissions of the industry.

Our discussions will also touch on the various step-change technologies that will be available to decarbonise the industry (carbon capture, hydrogen, direct reduction, scrap use etc), and the practical, monetary, and political challenges that must be overcome in order to implement them.

And finally, highlight several of the global initiatives supporting the decarbonisation of the steel industry such as standards for responsible sourcing and target setting.

Speakers

Dr Steven Woolass, Decarbonisation Expert, Tata Steel

Steven is an expert in the decarbonisation of steel production, with 17 years of experience within the steel sector. His role within Tata Steel UK is to identify a pathway to achieving net zero emissions from the UK assets and associated supply chain, by 2045. He works collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in other industries, academia, technology and energy providers and with UK Government to understand the existing barriers, develop solutions and recognise the opportunities for the UK. Steven graduated with a degree in physics and has recently been awarded a PhD in engineering, on the subject of decarbonisation.

Dr Pete Hodgson, Manager, Sustainability Policy, Assessment & Environment function, Tata Steel

Pete graduated as a physicist with a background in environmental applications. After spells with several environmentally-focused organisations, he is currently Manager, Sustainability Policy & Assessment in the Sustainability & Environment function at Tata Steel in the UK, where he leads a team engaged in a broad range of sustainability issues in the metals industry, particularly following the principles of life cycle thinking. He is leading Tata Steel’s global engagement in a number of initiatives in support of the steel sector’s transition to net/near zero GHG emissions.

Dan Faulkner, Sustainability Specialist, Tata Steel

Dan graduated with a master's in chemical engineering with environmental applications, and now works as sustainability specialist for Tata Steel UK in the Sustainability Policy & Assessment team. His primary expertise is in working with life cycle assessment (LCA) and with environmental impact metrics of Tata Steel UK products. He is also a member of the IChemE CESIG committee.

The material presented in this webinar has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenters' own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Clean Energy Special Interest Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

09:00–10:00 GMT.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via GoToWebinar®. Check system requirements.

You are advised to join the webinar at least ten minutes before the scheduled start time, to allow for your computer to connect.

Webinar archive

This webinar is free of charge and open to all to attend, but if you wish to access the slides and a recording to replay on demand then you will need to be a member of the Clean Energy Special Interest Group.