Green hydrogen transformation of the iron and steel production system: An integrated operating concept for system-internal balance, lower emissions, and support for power system stability

The green hydrogen transformation of the iron and steel industry is considered a technically viable option. Concretely, large-scale renewable energy generation and water electrolyzer capacity are to be added to the production system. Given that renewables are intermittent and H 2 demand is high, there is continued reliance on the CO 2 emitting upstream power system. This paper introduces a novel operating concept that regards an extended production system that includes not only the renewables and water electrolyzer but also a dedicated conventional generator and onsite customer and prioritizes loads with the aim to create an internal balance. The paper studies different production system configurations and load prioritization strategies, evaluating techno-economic properties, CO 2 emissions, the internal balance, and the support for the stability of the upstream power system. It finds that local, emission-free production of H 2 is not only techno-economically viable, but that the integrated operating concept leads to lower Scope I and II emissions and to significant reduction of electrical loads on the upstream power system. • Studies extension of iron and steel production with water electrolysis and renewables. • Proposes a concept for integrated operation of large industrial components. • Finds that load prioritization improves internal balance and lowers emissions. • Supports the upstream power system by reducing the electrical load.