JFE Steel switches to electric arc furnace to reduce carbon dioxide emissions

This strategic step aims to significantly reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the steel industry.

As part of JFE's emissions reduction commitment, the company aims to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030.

JFE aims to build an EAF capable of producing 2 million metric tonnes of high-quality steel per year, with the planned overhaul of unit 2 in 2027. The implementation of this electric arc furnace is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions of 2.6 million tonnes per year compared to emissions produced by the current blast furnace.

To further improve its environmental performance, JFE plans to import low-carbon steelmaking raw materials such as "reduced iron" produced using natural gas and carbon capture storage (CCS), with a particular focus on sourcing these materials from sources such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

JFE is actively involved in the development of innovative and environmentally friendly steelmaking techniques involving the use of hydrogen and methane in blast furnaces. However, the implementation of EAF offers a practical and rapid solution for emission reduction in this transition phase.