Limited quantity and quality of steel supply in a zero-emission future

Achieving a zero-emission future depends greatly on how steel production is decarbonized within a limited time frame. Here we show that the production of zero-emission steel is possible but that the quantity and quality of steel may be limited by scrap downcycling. Using Japan as a case study, our analysis shows that most steel scrap is currently downcycled into construction materials, thereby limiting scrap-based steel to only 20% of the total steel used for automobiles, compared to 60% for buildings. Under a strict carbon budget, such downcycling practices could limit the production of steel used for automobiles to similar to 40% of current levels by 2050, even if production technology progresses according to the roadmap. The results indicate that steel users should not take the current level of steel supply for granted in a zero-emission future. Decarbonizing the steel sector, therefore, will depend not only on stand-alone efforts by the steel industry but on joint action with steel users to enable scrap upcycling and service provision with less steel use.

Automated summary

Achieving zero-emission future in steel production depends on decarbonization within a limited time frame. However, the quantity and quality of steel may be limited by scrap downcycling, as seen in the case of Japan where most steel scrap is used for construction materials rather than automobiles. This could result in a significant decrease in steel production for automobiles by 2050, even with technological advancements.