Co-benefits of energy efficiency improvement and air pollution abatement in the Chinese iron and steel industry

In 2010, China was responsible for 45% of global steel production, while consuming 15.8 EJ of final energy and emitting 1344 Mt CO2eq, 8.4 Mt of PM (particulate matter) emissions, and 5.3 Mt of SO2 emissions. In this paper we analyse the co-benefits of implementing energy efficiency measures that jointly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, in comparison to applying only air pollution control (end-of-pipe technology). For this purpose we construct ECSC (energy conservation supply curves) that contain potentials and costs of energy efficiency measures and implement these in the GAINS (greenhouse gas and air pollution interactions and synergies) model. Findings show that the technical energy saving potential for the Chinese iron and steel industry for 2030 is around 5.7 EJ. This is equivalent to 28% of reference energy use in 2030. The emissions mitigation of GHGs (greenhouse gases) and air pollutants in BAEEM_S3 scenario would be reduce 27% CO2eq, 3% of PM, and 22% of SO2, compared to the BL scenario in 2030. Investments and cost savings were calculated for different scenarios, showing that energy efficiency investments will result in significant reductions in air pollution control costs. Hence, Energy efficiency measures should be integrated in air quality policy in China. •Implementation rates of 56 EEMs (energy efficiency measures) are quantified in China's Iron and steel industry.•Energy Supply Cost Curve was implemented in the GAINS (greenhouse gas and air pollution interactions and synergies) model.•The contribution of energy efficiency measure on the process level was estimated.•There are large co-benefits of improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.•EEMs (energy efficiency measures) would lead to huge reductions in air pollution.