Energy
is essential for development. Across the globe around 1.3 billion people continue to
live without access to electricity, equivalent to about 18% of the global population.
Nearly 97% of those without access to electricity live in sub-Saharan Africa
and developing Asia. Giving everyone access will require strong growth in
energy supply. Global energy demand is set to grow by 37% by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).1
Steel is critical for supplying the world with energy- whether based on fossil fuels,
nuclear technology or forms of renewable energy- steel is indispensable in producing and
distributing energy. Steel also has an important role to play in improving
the efficiency of these energy sources.
Steel in Renewable Energy
● Solar: Steel plays a key role in converting solar energy into
electricity or hot water. It is used as a base for solar thermal-panels
and in pumps, tanks and heat exchangers.
● Wave and tidal:
The steel pile is the main component of a tidal turbine in tidal
energy systems. Steel is also used to fabricate wave energy devices. The
steel used is formulated to withstand the challenges of the marine
environment.
● Hydroelectric: Steel is needed to reinforce concrete dams.
● Wind: Steel is the main material used in onshore and off-shore wind
turbines. Almost every component of a wind turbine is made of steel,
from the foundation, to the tower, gears and casings.
Steel in Nuclear and Fossil Fuel-Based Energy:
● Equipment for oil and gas
extraction and production
● Natural gas and oil pipelines and
storage tanks
● Power plants
Steel in the Production and Distribution of Electricity:
● Transformers (magnetic steel core)
● Generators and electric motors
● Power distribution pylons and
steel-reinforced cables.
Energy Transport and Distribution:
● Ships, trucks and trains used to
transport fuel. Click here to learn more about the use of steel in transportation.
Footnote:
1. International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook 2014, page 1,'central scenario'.
