The Basics of Green Steelmaking: New Video Series Explains How Innovation Is Transforming Steel
The production of steel is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions worldwide. The steel industry accounts for millions of tons of CO₂ emissions every year, making it one of the biggest challenges on the path toward a sustainable future. However, steel is infinitely recyclable, and the use of scrap can make steel production cleaner and more sustainable. But recycling scrap comes with new challenges: residual elements like copper and nickel present in the scrap can affect the strength of the steel, especially in the heat-affected zone of a weld.
The EU-funded MOWSES project aims to investigate the effects of different residual elements on the steel’s microstructure and thus its strength and reliability. To shed light on this vital topic, we have launched the video series “The Basics of Green Steelmaking”, which brings together experts from the field to share insights into different aspects of the steelmaking industry.
Although steel is a material relied on every day, whether in cars, buildings, bridges, or household appliances, most people remain unaware of the complex processes behind its production and the environmental challenges it entails. “The Basics of Green Steelmaking” is designed to bridge this gap by making the science behind steel production both accessible and engaging. The series explains how steel is made, how it can be recycled, and how innovative technologies are transforming the industry. It offers an inside look at the evolution of steelmaking, from fundamental science to AI-driven innovation. Episodes cover the production of steel, the potential of using scrap metal, a green method of melting scrap, different welding processes, microstructure analysis, and the role of artificial intelligence. With these insights, the series highlights why projects like MOWSES are crucial for building a more sustainable future.
These efforts also go hand in hand with industrial transformation initiatives across Europe. Recently, the SHS – Stahl-Holding-Saar Group, which includes Dillinger as partner in MOWSES, signed a long-term contract with French energy company Verso Energy to secure the annual supply of at least 6,000 tons of certified “green” hydrogen starting in 2029. This groundbreaking Franco-German agreement marks an important step in building a cross-border hydrogen economy and lays the foundation for climate-friendly steel production. With this supply, SHS Group aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by up to 55 percent by the early 2030s, in line with its ambitious decarbonisation roadmap.
Watch the full series now on YouTube and discover how the future of steel is being reshaped by science, innovation, and sustainability.
