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Lumpyyyyy t1_j6fmi74 wrote

Reply to comment by ejsandstrom in Green steel startup Boston Metal raises $120M for its fossil-free tech by MrMike

Takes about 275 Wh/lb or 550 kWh/ton to melt SG iron or 625 kWh/ton for steel.

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londons_explorer t1_j6h7wrf wrote

The energy requirements are much higher than just melting... The main energy consumer is removing the oxygen

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danielravennest t1_j6j66zg wrote

The energy of formation of Iron III Oxide is 5.16 MJ/kg or 1433 kWh/ton. Actual energy needed depends on the efficiency of the process, including heat losses.

Wholesale solar and wind range from $26-50/MWh x 1.433 MWh/ton = $37-72/ton. Since steel goes for ~$750/ton these days, power cost is not a show-stopper at reasonable efficiency.

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