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Pollution control

New Research on Hydrogen-Rich Gas Injection in Blast Furnaces Holds Promise for Carbon Emissions Reduction

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing have published a study on the potential of hydrogen-rich gas injection in blast furnaces to reduce carbon emissions in the steel industry. The study notes that the steel industry's primary focus is on energy conservation and emission reduction, with blast furnace ironmaking contributing the largest share of carbon emissions in the steel production process. By injecting renewable clean energy, such as hydrogen, into the blast furnace, it is possible to effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon emission.

Key Takeaways:

  • The steel industry's primary focus is on energy conservation and emission reduction, with blast furnace ironmaking contributing the largest share of carbon emissions.
  • Injecting renewable clean energy, such as hydrogen, into the blast furnace can effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon emission.
  • The study investigates and discusses the process of injecting hydrogen-rich gas into blast furnaces, including the fundamental mechanism of reducing iron oxide with hydrogen.
  • The main types of hydrogen-rich gas injection include natural gas (NG) and coke oven gas (COG), with COG being widely used in China and having significant CO2 emission reduction effects.
  • The study concludes that the injection of hydrogen-rich gas into blast furnaces holds significant potential for future development.

Statistics:

  • Blast furnace ironmaking contributes 70% of carbon emissions in the steel production process (VerticalNews).
  • The use of coke oven gas (COG) in China has resulted in significant CO2 emission reduction effects (Metallurgical Research & Technology).
  • The proportion of H-2 addition is limited by furnace conditions, with excessive addition of H-2 causing furnace cooling and hindering the smooth flow of gas (Review On the Progress of Hydrogen-rich Gas Injection Into Blast Furnace).

Sources:

  • VerticalNews. New Global Warming and Climate Change Study Findings Recently Were Reported by Researchers at University of Science and Technology Beijing (Review On the Progress of Hydrogen-rich Gas Injection Into Blast Furnace). Global Warming Focus. June 9, 2025; p 2585.
  • Metallurgical Research & Technology. Review On the Progress of Hydrogen-rich Gas Injection Into Blast Furnace. 2025; 122(3).

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