This study is one of three investigations into the challenges and opportunities in critical parts of the American energy sector: long-distance electric transmission, strategic metals and minerals, and iron and steelmaking decarbonization. Each presents key infrastructure and industrial challenges that must be addressed for the United States to accelerate and achieve deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Progress in decarbonizing iron and steelmaking has proven difficult and slow. Solutions will require the integration of community, workforce, competitiveness and trade priorities.
Steel and the steel industry are critical to societies today due to their central role in manufacturing and infrastructure as well as their long-standing importance for defense. Ensuring a sufficient supply of steel for the U.S. economy while deeply reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change will require solutions that integrate community, workforce, competitiveness, trade, and national security priorities. This case study lays out a path for accelerating decarbonization of iron and steel production that benefits workers and communities while strengthening U.S. industry leadership in technology and innovation.
