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Design and evaluation of closed-loop carbon recycling strategies based on co-electrolysis for on-site reusing CO2 in the blast furnace gas

Author

Listed:
  • Wu, Shiyao
  • Chen, Chen-Ge
  • Li, Qian
  • Zhou, Haoyu
  • Wei, Jinchao
  • Mei, Jinhao
  • Zhang, Entao
  • Liu, Subiao
  • Zhang, Yanwei
  • Luo, Jing-Li
  • Xu, Chenyu

Abstract

The steel industry is among the world’s most carbon-intensive industrial sectors, producing blast furnace gas (BFG) as a major byproduct rich in carbon dioxide (CO2), highlighting the urgent need for efficient utilization strategies. In this study, two co-electrolysis pathways, namely SOEC-BFG and PEM-BFG, are systematically proposed and evaluated through a comparative assessment. These processes employ solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, respectively, to convert CO2 into syngas. Their performance is quantitatively evaluated across multiple criteria, including carbon utilization efficiency, exergy efficiency, total capital investment (TCI), total production cost (TPC), and internal rate of return (IRR). The results demonstrate that the SOEC-BFG pathway significantly outperforms the PEM-BFG pathway, achieving superior carbon utilization efficiency (79.6 %), higher exergy efficiency (70.76 %), and greater economic viability (an IRR of 31 %). Thus, the SOEC-BFG pathway presents a more suitable solution for integration within the steel industry, enabling on-site conversion to syngas and promoting an effective closed-loop carbon recycling strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Shiyao & Chen, Chen-Ge & Li, Qian & Zhou, Haoyu & Wei, Jinchao & Mei, Jinhao & Zhang, Entao & Liu, Subiao & Zhang, Yanwei & Luo, Jing-Li & Xu, Chenyu, 2025. "Design and evaluation of closed-loop carbon recycling strategies based on co-electrolysis for on-site reusing CO2 in the blast furnace gas," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 341(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:341:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225051746
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139532
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