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Uneven renewable energy supply constrains the decarbonization effects of excessively deployed hydrogen-based DRI technology

Author

Listed:
  • Yihan Wang

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Chen Chen

    (The University of Hong Kong
    Guangzhou University)

  • Yuan Tao

    (Renmin University of China)

  • Zongguo Wen

    (Tsinghua University
    Daxing District)

Abstract

Hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H2-DRI) is crucial for decarbonizing the steel sector but is limited by the availability of renewable energy. Here, we propose H2-DRI deployment schemes in China’s steel sector at moderate and aggressive scales, incorporating three renewable energy sources with a resolution of 1 km × 1 km across 570 steel units. Results indicate that 52.6–55.8% of China’s current steel units lack sufficient renewable energy supply for H2-DRI deployment due to uneven distribution of these energy sources. Renewable energy can fulfill 97-100% of hydrogen demand at the moderate scale, whereas the aggressive scale requires supplemented fossil fuels accounting for one-third to one-half. H2-DRI can decarbonize steel production to 0.15–0.91 t CO2 t-1 steel at the moderate scale, but the emissions would raise by up to over sixfold at the aggressive scale. Furthermore, H2-DRI fueled by solar and wind energy exhibits poorer economic and water usage performance at the aggressive scale. We highlight the necessity of avoiding excessive H2-DRI deployment and recommend prioritizing its implementation in steel units located in regions with abundant solar and wind sources nearby.

Suggested Citation

  • Yihan Wang & Chen Chen & Yuan Tao & Zongguo Wen, 2025. "Uneven renewable energy supply constrains the decarbonization effects of excessively deployed hydrogen-based DRI technology," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59730-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59730-1
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