Carbon footprint of flat and long steel products

Abstract

This study determines CO₂ emissions of steel products in Thailand using flat product and long product as a case study using the bottom-up and gate-to-gate approach. The boundary of the study covers from imported slabs and billets to hot rolled coils and rebars. Majority of the emission was originated from fuel combustion for heat (65-68%) and also electricity (32-35%) in the production line. This study proposes alternative solutions for emission reductions. For short-term solution, energy efficiency, is able to marginally reduce CO₂ intensity by as much as 7% in three years but not enough to cope with the growth of flat steel production. Fuel switching to natural gas which has lower carbon content could help reduce the emission up to 19% but will result in greater dependence on dwindling supply of fossil fuels. Switching to zero-emission biomass, which is abundant in Thailand, is able to virtually eliminate fuel-related emission, resulting in 65-68% of reduction from total emission. Biomass, too, could be used as electricity-generating fuels which will eliminate the electricity-related emission. Moreover, using biomass is one of solution for energy security situation. For electricity aspect, using cleaner source of energy could help reduce CO₂ emissions. If Power Development Plan 2010 could be successfully implemented, CO₂ intensity from the study plant in year 2030 would be 11.5 % lower than the 2009 level. For this to be successfully implemented, raw material supply system should be established to ensure continuous stream of fuel. Last but not least, there should be appropriate technologies, financial incentives, and the will power to ensure its success.