Feasibility study for the SMRs integration in the iron and steel industry

Introduction

The steel industry is one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions and is responsible for approximately 7% of global emissions. The energy demand for steelmaking is substantial, with the production process relying heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for both energy generation and reducing iron ore. As part of the global transition to a low-carbon economy, the iron and steel industry aims to reduce CO2 emission up to 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.

One potential solution lies in the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) which can provide reliable and scalable power. This thesis aims to investigate the energy requirements of steelmaking plants, identify the potential for decarbonization, and evaluate the role that SMRs could play in this process.

Work plan

The first part of the thesis will perform a literature study to assess the total energy demand of a typical steelmaking plant and identify areas where energy consumption can be decarbonized.

From this data, the potential of different types of SMRs will be evaluated by determining which fraction of the plant’s energy requirements can be supplied by SMRs. The thesis will try to find an SMR optimal configuration in terms of e.g. number of modules and individual size that would effectively cover the energy needs of a steelmaking plant.

Finally, the CO2 reduction potential achieved through the integration of SMRs into the steelmaking process will be estimated by comparing emissions before and after the SMR implementation.

Research questions:

• What is the energy need from an steelmaking plant, and which fraction can be decarbonized?
• Which fraction of this energy need can be supplied by various types of SMRs?
• What is the optimal configuration (e.g. number and size) of SMRs could cover this energy need?
• What is the CO2 reduction obtained with the deployment of such SMRs?