Análise comparativa de rotas alternativas na produção de aço com foco na redução da emissão de CO2

Abstract

Steel production is a highly relevant industrial activity, essential to various sectors such as construction, the automotive industry, infrastructure, and equipment manufacturing. Due to its mechanical strength and versatility, steel has been widely used in the construction of buildings, bridges, vehicles, and machinery, playing a crucial role in economic development and the modernization of societies. However, traditional steel production generates significant CO₂ emissions, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. This study conducted a comparative analysis of steel production routes with low or zero CO₂ emissions, aiming to identify methods capable of minimizing the environmental impact of the steel industry. The routes analyzed included the use of green hydrogen, electric arc furnaces, molten oxide electrolysis, and the use of biomass as an alternative to fossil fuels. The research was based on a literature review of scientific articles and technical publications, complemented by comparative analyses evaluating the economic feasibility, energy consumption, and environmental impacts of the different technologies. The results contributed to identifying more sustainable and efficient alternatives for steel production, aligned with global goals for carbon emission reduction and the promotion of more responsible industrial practices. However, despite the progress achieved through extensive research and the development of new methods, significant challenges still remain for these technologies to be applicable on an industrial scale, ensuring that the energy used in steel production indeed comes from renewable sources.