Review article
https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2026.030
Production of Green Steel and Environmental Protection
Mirko Gojić
; University North, Trg Dr. Žarka Dolinara 1, 48 000, Koprivnica, Croatia
*
Stjepan Kožuh
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Metallurgy, Aleja narodnih heroja 3, 44 000 Sisak, Croatia
Sanja Šolić
; Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University, Department of Polytechnics, Ilica 256 b, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Vlado Tropša
; University North, Trg Dr. Žarka Dolinara 1, 48 000, Koprivnica, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Steel is the most important metallic material, and its production has continuously increased throughout the 20ᵗʰ and 21ˢᵗ centuries. Between 2000 and 2025, global crude steel production has more than doubled, from 850 Mt to 1.880 Gt. Today, steel is produced primarily using basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs) (70.4 %) and electric arc furnaces (29.1 %). The steelmaking process is characterised by high consumption of metallic and non-metallic raw materials, energy, water, and other resources, with a significant impact on the environment. Iron and steel production contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂ emissions. In 2023, the global average emission amounted to 1.92 t CO₂/t of crude steel produced. Depending on the amount of coke used for iron ore reduction, the iron and steel industry accounts for approximately 7–9 % of total global CO₂ emissions. This paper presents global trends in crude steel production and discusses the challenges associated with the production of green steel, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The major sources of pollutants in the iron and steel industry are identified, and possible options for decarbonizing iron and steel production are analysed. Approaches to green steel production are being developed along several pathways. Efforts are focused on maximising steel recycling through the increased use of steel scrap, as well as expanding the use of direct reduced iron (DRI). This paper also reviews the development and gradual implementation of new technologies for the production of green hydrogen for iron ore reduction in blast furnaces, as well as emerging technologies for direct reduced iron production. In addition, technologies for CO₂ capture, storage and utilisation are presented and discussed.
Keywords
steel; environmental protection; CO₂ emission; hydrogen
Hrčak ID:
351413
URI
Publication date:
13.11.2026.
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