Grant: Alliance Grants

In order for Canada to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, there will need to be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from many industries, particularly industries where the greenhouse gas emissions are difficult-to-reduce, such as steel production. The production of steel results in a substantial amount of waste heat generated, which presents an opportunity for capturing and using the waste heat energy to offset some of the greenhouse gas emissions. It is currently not well understood how much waste heat is generated by each process in steel production and how it could be captured. This project is a partnership between Ontario Tech University and the Gerdau Whitby Steel Mill. The waste heat generated during each process of steel making will be measured and analyzed by researchers from Ontario Tech University. Gerdau can use the findings from this project to capture as much waste heat as possible and convert it into usable energy to reduce their energy consumption, which will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings. There will also be an opportunity to use the waste heat analysis to enhance the productivity by speeding up the cooling process at strategic locations. Ultimately this project will reveal how Gerdau can take advantage of the waste heat produced in steel production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase productivity. The steel industry is an important part of the Canadian economy. The demand for low-carbon or "green" steel is increasing, and thus it is important to decarbonize the steel industry to meet the supply for this growing demand and ensure the competitiveness of Canadian steel. Ultimately this project will benefit Canada by leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring the health and competitiveness of the Canadian steel industry.