Electric Furnace Technologies
High-temperature electrification for steel, cement, glass, and aluminum
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Section 3 of 5High-Temperature Electrification Technologies
High-temperature industrial processes (>1000°C) account for 9% of global CO₂ emissions. Steel, cement, glass, and aluminum production have historically relied on fossil fuel combustion due to temperature requirements. Electric furnaces use arc heating, induction, resistance, or plasma technologies to achieve ultra-high temperatures with zero on-site emissions. However, most remain at pilot scale with significant technical and economic challenges.
Interactive Technology Comparison
Compare electric furnace technologies across industries—click technologies for detailed specs
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Steel Production Technologies
Electric Arc Furnace
Uses electric arcs between graphite electrodes to melt scrap steel. Mature technology.
Hydrogen Direct Reduction + EAF
Reduces iron ore with green hydrogen, then melts in EAF. Near-zero emissions pathway.
Plasma Smelting
Ultra-high temperature plasma torches (>3000°C) for direct ore reduction.
The High-Temperature Challenge
High-temperature processes (>1000°C) face the biggest electrification challenge. While electric arc furnaces work well for steel recycling, producing primary steel, cement, and glass requires breakthrough technologies. Green hydrogen direct reduction, inert anodes for aluminum, and electric cement kilns are racing toward commercialization, but most remain at pilot scale with 2-5x cost premiums versus conventional methods.
Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF)
Mature technology for steel recycling. Electric arcs between graphite electrodes reach 3000°C+. Powers 30% of global steel production, but requires scrap steel feedstock.
Breakthrough Technologies
Hydrogen direct reduction for primary steel, inert anodes for aluminum, and electric kilns for cement are at pilot stage. Need 50-70% cost reductions to compete with fossil fuels.
Explore Grid Integration
Learn how industrial electrification integrates with renewable grids