Circular Steel

Circular Steel – Enablers for a circular economy of climate-neutral steel

Duration: 2026-2031 (optionally -2035)

Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG)

Project Partners: 10 RWTH Aachen Chairs and one chair at the Jülich Research Centre

Representing more than 20% of the global industrial CO2 emissions, the steel value chain provides a powerful lever to substantially contribute to the goal of a carbon neutral society in 2050. The research raining group (RTG) aims at the education of experts that can implement the profound transformation towards a circular economy of climate-neutral steel. The four interconnected research areas address the most relevant technological and scientific challenges:

• adaptation of the electric arc furnace for using directly reduced iron as well as circular scrap in steel production,
• accumulation of detrimental trace elements with a focus on copper during circular steel usage,
• energetically optimized steel processing routes, and
• strategies to extend the longevity and identify reuse and remanufacturing potentials.

Data-driven methods of life cycle analysis will be developed to be used as a complementary measure to optimize the entire steel product value chain to minimize its carbon footprint. A structured qualification program that involves a scientific and industrial advisory board ensures a holistic view on the highly complex transition process of the steel industry and completes the research scopes of this RTG.

The research conducted by the Chair of Operations Management is part of Research Area IV, “Sustainability Assessment,” and focuses on dynamic and prospective material flows and the resulting potential transformation pathways in the steel industry.

Here you can find out more about the project.