Green Steel refers to steel that is mainly produced without the use of fossil fuel and is produced with environmentally-friendly processes and technologies to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact. Traditional steel production is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 7% of total emissions. Green steel production typically involves the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and the implementation of low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen reduction, carbon capture and storage, and electric arc furnaces. These technologies help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the steel production process. Role of COVID - 19 in the increase usage of green steel The COVID-19 epidemic has boosted interest in sustainable manufacturing, especially green steel production. Green steel, sometimes known as 'carbon-free' steel, has the ability to shake up the steel sector and cause widespread change. This new phenomenon includes manufacturing steel using low-carbon energy sources rather than the typical carbon-intensive production path of coal-fired plants. Although green steel has been around for a long time, its use has been limited due to the expensive cost of manufacture. During the pandemic lockdown, however, businesses began to rely on green steel due to the following reasons: ● The production of fossil fuel was halted, more than half of the workers were unable to work in the plants. Because of this there began to be a shortage of steel. ● The COVID-19 epidemic increased the importance of green steel by raising awareness of the need to limit carbon emissions in order to avert climate change. Several governments and businesses have made promises to minimize their carbon footprint, which has increased demand for sustainable materials such as green steel. ● Another reason is that coal is not a renewable source of energy and it takes millions of years to form. People now have found alternatives to this procedure such as Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) as it results in lower carbon dioxide emissions and offers the production of green steel. ● Furthermore, the pandemic has emphasized the significance of resilient supply networks. The pandemic's interruptions have raised interest in local industry and domestic supply systems. This has resulted in a renewed emphasis on green steel manufacturing, which may be produced locally utilizing renewable energy sources and low-carbon technology, decreasing reliance on imported steel and fossil fuels. Overall, COVID-19 has accelerated the trend towards sustainable manufacturing and has made green steel more important than ever as a way to reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impact, and build resilient supply chains. Benefits of Green Steel ● Reduced carbon emissions: Green steel production processes use renewable energy sources and low-carbon technologies, resulting in significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional steel production methods. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the steel industry and mitigate the impacts of climate change. ● Improved environmental sustainability: Green steel production processes can help to minimize the environmental impact of steel production, including reducing air and water pollution, conserving natural resources, and reducing waste. ● Enhanced energy security: Green steel production can be powered by renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. ● Increased competitiveness: As demand for sustainable products grows, companies that produce green steel may be more competitive in the market and may have better access to customers who are interested in environmentally-friendly products. ● Meeting customer demand: Customers who are not dependent on fossil fuels are investing in green steel. There is an increased demand from consumers for sustainable products. Companies that produce green steel may have better access to customers who are interested in environmentally-friendly products, and may be more competitive in the market. ● Job creation: The development and implementation of green steel technologies can create new jobs in fields such as engineering, construction, and renewable energy. Application of Green Steel ● Automotive industry: Green steel can be used to manufacture the panels, chassis and the support beams of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It is lighter and more fuel-efficient than traditional steel, which can reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of the transportation industry. ● Renewable energy : Green steel can be used to build wind turbines and other renewable energy infrastructure. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the renewable energy sector and makes it more sustainable. ● Packaging industry : Green steel can be used in the production of food and beverage packaging of soda cans. It is strong and can be recycled, which reduces waste and promotes sustainability. ● Consumer goods : Green steel can be used in the manufacturing of a wide range of consumer goods, such as appliances, electronics, and furniture. This promotes sustainability and reduces the environmental impact of these products. Green steel production is still in its early stages, and the cost and scalability of these technologies are still being evaluated. However, the increasing demand for sustainable products and the urgency of reducing carbon emissions are driving the development and implementation of green steel technologies. How Ecafez can help As a business owner or SME owner, Ecafez contributes to economic progress. Ecafez brands offer a diverse selection of world-class solutions in goods and services adapted to unique needs. Our team is available to users for round-the-clock support to guide and advise them. Our goal is to assist people in getting from where they are to where they wish to go.