Technological challenge
- Scrap: Elimination of the effect of hazardous impurities using DRI
- EAF: Improvement of productivity with larger scale and higher efficiency
Nippon Steel Carbon Neutral Vision 2050
As a part of our widespread efforts toward achieving a decarbonized society, by adopting “Nippon Steel Carbon Neutral Vision 2050 – A Challenge of Zero-Carbon Steel” as our own new initiative, Nippon steel will consider and implement various measures as a top priority management issue.
Challenge of Zero-Carbon Steel
We have decided to actively work to achieve zero-carbon steel as a top priority management issue, and have established a new "Key Phrase" to summarize our environmental management and an "Activity Logo" to represent our activities as our "Environmental Brand Mark". We will make a concerted effort to tackle these extremely difficult issues.
Key Phrase
Activity Logo
Zero-Carbon Steel: Our CO2 emissions reduction scenario
2030 Target
30% or more reduction in total CO2 emissions vs. 2013
[Means]
- Actual implementation of the COURSE50 in the existing BF and BOF process
- Reduction of CO2 emissions in existing processes
- Establishment of an efficient production framework
Vision 2050
Aim to become carbon neutral
[Means]
- Mass-production of high-grade steel in large size EAFs
- Hydrogen reduction steelmaking (by Super-COURSE50 use of BFs; direct reduction of 100% hydrogen)
- Multi-aspect approach, including CCUS* and other carbon offset measures,
Total CO2 emissions (million tons/year)
[Scope of scenario]
Domestic
SCOPE 1+2 (Receipt of raw materials to product shipment + CO2 at the time of purchase power production)
Note: Including Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd. and Sanso Center Co., Ltd.
Carbon neutral steelmaking process
Zero carbon steel production process
■Three breakthrough technologies
■Three external conditions required to achieve zero carbon steel
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Our roadmap of CO2 emissions reduction measures
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* BF: Blast Furnace, BOF: Basic Oxygen Furnace, EAF: Electric Arc Furnace
Technological challenges and required external conditions
Production of high-grade steel in large scale EAF
External conditions
- Cost-effective fossil-free power
Hydrogen injection into BF (COURSE50, Super-COURSE50)
Technological challenge
- Preheating and injection of high-temp hydrogen for endothermic reactions
- Stable gas flow in BF with less coke
- Scaling-up from experimental to actual super-large-scale BF
- Establishment of the technology to offset remaining CO2 emissions (CCUS)
External conditions
- Implementation of CCU and CCS
- Large supply of carbon-free hydrogen
100% hydrogen use in direct reduction
Technological challenge
- Establishment of the technology of hydrogen direct reduction
External conditions
- Large-amount supply of carbon-free hydrogen
Challenges to realize zero-carbon steel and collaboration with society
Take on the challenge to develop and practically implement breakthrough technologies ahead of the other countries to realize zero-carbon steel, as Nippon Steel’s top priority issue, which is essential for Japan’s steel industry to continue to lead the world and to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of Japanese industry in general.
3 factors to increase costs for the zero-carbon steel project
- Huge R&D costs
- Huge CAPEX for practical implementation
- Increase in operational cost, even if inexpensive carbon free hydrogen and zero-emission power are to be secured
The production cost of crude steel may more than double the current cost.
Investments needed for the zero-carbon steel project
1 Minimum level estimated to be required for the time being
3 collaborations required for realizing zero-carbon steel
- A national strategy to realize a “virtuous cycle of environment and growth”
Long-term and continuous government support for R&D in the field of breakthrough innovation etc.
Establishment of inexpensive and stable large-scale hydrogen supply infrastructure
Realization of carbon free power at an international competitive cost
Promotion of national projects for the development and commercialization of CCUS - Realization of government’s comprehensive policies to secure equal-footing in international competition, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and lead to business chances
- Formation of consensus on the issue of cost bearing by society
Establishing a system for society as a whole to bear the enormous costs of realizing of zero-carbon, such as R&D costs, CAPEX for replacing existing facilities, and significant increase in production costs.