Mapping coal use in the UK steel sector
Ember’s UK Steel Database reveals what it is needed to take steel from coal to clean.
About
To gain a better understanding of the sector, the project team compiled data on UK steelmakers from a range of publicly available resources.
This includes information on plant locations, production type and capacity, workforce, emissions along with other data. We have compiled this data into several publicly accessible resources with varying levels of detail on the UK steel sector.
Executive summary
Coal-free steel
Wilf Lytton Industrial Policy Advisor, Ember
On the surface, electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking appears to be far less emissions-intensive than blast furnace production with coal. However, UK steelmakers cannot rely on steel recycled via EAFs alone to meet demand for low-carbon steel in domestic markets and beyond. Primary steel is still essential, and the UK needs to invest in decarbonised processes, based either on hydrogen or CCS, or a combination of those technologies.
Overview
Overview of UK steelmaking
Presentation on decarbonising UK steel
Conclusion
New approach required
Steel is integral to modern economies and demand for steel products is expected to grow over the coming decades.
There is, however, pressure on steelmakers to cut emissions to help meet the UK’s target of net-zero economy-wide emissions by 2050.
Policies enacted to achieve that goal have had little effect so far and a clearer vision and focus from government regarding industrial policy will be needed if the UK’s steel industry is to prosper.
