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DFuel t1_j6gvv64 wrote

97% of steel by product is recycled so it's interesting to see it taken even further

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PaulThePaul t1_j6hwj0v wrote

The problem is meltig steel even if its recycled needs very high temperature. And these temperatures are mostly generated by coal as far as I know.

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BoyInBath t1_j6i1aj2 wrote

Electric forges are theoretically possible at the size and scale needed, but the energy to use them is not cost effective, sadly.

Hydrogen... Maybe - but like most eco solutions, they're not as energy dense, or as cheap as existing fossil solutions.

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Mayor__Defacto t1_j6ls01o wrote

What? Electric Arc Furnaces are the main way of recycling steel lol, that’s Nucor’s whole business. Most profitable steel company in the world.

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the_other_jeremy t1_j6n8i17 wrote

This right here. Worked at one of their Arkansas plants two years ago and generally speaking there are some opinions on "green steel."

Oftentimes the impact of green steels like the newer hydrogen process is higher than using DRI and an EAF. People just don't wanna hear that yet.

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daikael t1_j6im40i wrote

Yeah, I believe that this is using a new method that was developed in the UK that removes the need for coal coke? Saw it a few weeks back in r/futurology but didnt actually read the paper.

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