China's first million-ton near-zero-carbon steel production line achieves full operational integration in Zhanjiang

On December 23, China's first million-ton near-zero-carbon steel production line achieved full operational connectivity in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province. This milestone marks a crucial step forward in the nation's steel industry transition toward green and low-carbon development, setting a new benchmark for high-quality growth in the sector.

The production line employs internationally advanced hydrogen metallurgy electric smelting technology, using hydrogen as the primary reducing agent to replace traditional coke. This approach significantly reduces carbon emissions at the source, paving a practical new path for China's steel industry to break free from its deep reliance on fossil fuels. Direct reduced iron produced by the core hydrogen-based vertical furnace has achieved the targeted metallization rate, while supporting facilities like high-efficiency green electric furnaces further enhance overall energy efficiency. Compared to traditional long-process steelmaking, this line reduces carbon emissions by 50% to 80%, representing a major technological breakthrough over high-energy-consumption, high-emission conventional smelting models.

According to Wang Hongliang, head of the Zhanjiang steelmaking project team at China Baowu Baosteel Group, this production line can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 3.14 million tons annually—equivalent to the carbon sequestration effect of restoring approximately 2,000 square kilometers of forest. The successful commissioning of this project not only provides replicable and scalable practical experience for steel enterprises exploring low-carbon pathways but also injects strong momentum into advancing China's steel industry toward achieving its dual carbon goals and pursuing sustainable, high-quality development.