Hydrogen gas holds potential to play a significant role in combatting climate change. As nations globally struggle to reduce their carbon emissions, they are turning to hydrogen as a clean alternative to carbon-based fuels. Hydrogen doesn’t release carbon when used as a fuel or reducing agent, making it a key player in various manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Direct Reduction Using Hydrogen (DR-H) in Steel Making
Steel production traditionally relies on a carbon monoxide (CO) based process which emits high volumes of greenhouse gases. An alternative method, Direct Reduction Using Hydrogen (DR-H), reduces iron oxide (Fe2O3) into metallic iron (Fe) using hydrogen instead of CO. This technique offers a more eco-friendly approach, commonly referred to as the “green route” to steel production.
The DR-H process involves mixing iron ore with hydrogen gas at temperatures between 600 and 800°C. The chemical reaction between the two results in the formation of metallic iron and water vapour, significantly lowering associated carbon emissions.
The Significance of the DR-H Process
The use of hydrogen as a reducing agent produces only water vapor, greatly minimizing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional coal or coke methods. Research indicates that this process could potentially reduce carbon emissions by up to 97%.
Additionally, the DR-H process is more energy efficient, produces higher quality steel, offers greater flexibility in terms of the types of iron ores that can be used and may prove more cost-effective, particularly when natural gas prices are high.
Hydrogen Uses Beyond Steel Production Industries
Besides the steel industry, hydrogen is used in sectors like energy and chemical production, electronics manufacturing, food processing, and medicine. It has potential applications as a renewable energy source in power generation – through combustion or fuel cells. Hydrogen’s qualities make it useful as a feedstock in creating chemicals including ammonia and methanol. It’s also utilized in the manufacturing of electronic components, food preservation, and medical procedures.
Steel Production in India
India holds the position of the world’s 2nd largest producer and consumer of crude steel. The major steel-producing centers are located in Bhilai, Durgapur, Burnpur, Jamshedpur, Rourkela, and Bokaro. The National Steel policy of 2017 set a goal of reaching a crude steel capacity of 300 million tonnes, production of 255 million tonnes and per capita consumption of 158 kilograms of finished steel by 2030-31.
The International Energy Agency notes that approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions are associated with the steel industry, making it one of the significant contributors of greenhouse gases.
Green Steel and Carbon Reduction
India’s Ministry of Steel is promoting the concept of Green Steel, or steel manufacturing without the use of fossil fuels. This approach can be achieved using low-carbon energy sources such as hydrogen, coal gasification, or electricity and could significantly lower GHG emissions and improve steel quality.
Challenges in Using Hydrogen in Steel Production
While hydrogen shows promise for greener steel production, several challenges exist. These include high initial capital costs, availability, and cost of hydrogen, along with scale-up issues such as the need for careful management of the reactor and hydrogen gas supply. Infrastructure requirements like storage and handling facilities for hydrogen gas can also add to costs and time.
To overcome these challenges, increased governmental and private sector investment in green hydrogen production technologies and collaboration among stakeholders is necessary. Additionally, policy support in the form of incentives, tax credits, and loan guarantees can aid in the adoption of this technology.
Examining Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Various questions related to the steel industry and its environmental impact have appeared in past UPSC Civil Services Examinations. These have included queries on the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, necessary imports for India’s steel production industry, pollutants released by the steel industry, and potential uses for steel slag.
Hydrogen’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the steel industry, signifies a crucial step towards greener manufacturing. This shift could bring about transformative changes in industries across the globe, fostering a more sustainable future.
