Multi-objective coordinated development paths for China's steel industry chain based on water-energy-economy dependence

The water-energy crisis seriously affects the sustainable development of China's steel industry chain. To achieve a coordinated development new path from the perspective of circular economy, it is necessary to analyze water -energy-economy dependency relationship of the steel products. This study analyzes a variety of steel products from the perspective of industry chain and simulates the water-energy-economy potential changes of products under different scenarios by developing a multi-objective optimization model. In this model, Random Forest (RF) and GEne Network Inference with Ensemble of trees (GEINIE3) algorithms are combined to evaluate the 2013-2019 water-energy-economy dependency relationships firstly. Then, improved Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (QPSO) algorithm is applied to dynamically simulate potential changes of water, energy and economic performance in the steel industry chain under different scenarios, and to design an optimal develop-ment path from the perspective of optimizing economic performance within minimum water and minimum energy use constraints. Results firstly point out the current water-energy-economy triple dimension de-pendency relationship of China's steel industry is weak. Secondly, the water-economy dependence has changed from one-way dependence to two-way dependence, and the energy-economy relationship still shows a one-way dependence. Finally, when improving resource utilization rate, assigning priority to the reuse of scrap steel, while restricting pig iron and primary steel use, may help maximize the coordinated development of water -energy-economy in the steel industry chain. Policy implications are proposed based on the results and provided decision-making basis for the country and relevant enterprises to promote sustainable development of the steel industry chain.

Automated summary

This research analyzed the water-energy-economy dependency relationship of steel products from the perspective of circular economy. By using a multi-objective optimization model and algorithms, the study identified weak triple dimension dependency relationship in China's steel industry chain and suggested prioritizing scrap steel reuse to achieve coordinated development of water-energy-economy.