Metal Industry News

The U.S. primary steel industry will require 174 terawatt hours of electricity annually by 2050 in order to slash up to 57 percent of the industry’s emissions and help achieve global aims to reduce carbon emissions, according to a new report released by the Clean Energy Buyers Association. 

The report’s findings amplify the need for transmission reform as well as accelerated deployment of carbon-free energy to power these steel-making facilities and processes, retain domestic competitiveness and reduce emissions deep in corporate supply chains.

The 174 TWh would be a 159 TWh increase from business as usual practices. To power this next generation of steel with carbon-free energy would require at least 28 gigawatts of solar and wind resources and 58 GW of battery storage by 2050, as well as interregional transmission reform.

“A growing number of corporations are making commitments to purchase steel made through near-zero emissions production processes powered by clean energy,” said Jen Snook, CEBA’s industrial sector advisor. “State governments, grid operators and electricity producers should prepare today by securing funding, applying for permits and collaboratively planning for increased clean energy deployment and expanded regional transmission.”