Whether based on fossil fuels, nuclear technology, or renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or geothermal, steel is vital to powering the world and will remain so in the future.
Whether based on fossil fuels, nuclear technology, or renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or geothermal, steel is vital to powering the world, and it will be in the future. Regardless of the source, steel plays a vital role in producing and distributing energy, as well as providing energy efficiency.
- Biomass: steel is used extensively in agriculture.
- 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: a 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 offshore wind turbines. Almost every component of a wind turbine is made of steel, from the foundation to the tower, gears, and casings (see Steel Solutions in the Green Economy: Wind turbines). Steel provides the strength for taller, more efficient wind turbines.
- Mining equipment
- Offshore oil platforms
- Equipment for oil and gas extraction and production
- Pipelines for the distribution of natural gas and oil
- Storage tanks
- Power plants
- Read our story on the innovative use of steel in small nuclear reactors
- Transformers (magnetic steel core)
- Generators and electric motors
- Power distribution pylons and steel-reinforced cables
- Ships, trucks, and trains used to transport fuel
- Transport networks: steel is required for bridges, tunnels, rail tracks, and in construction buildings such as fueling stations, train stations, ports, and airports.
- High temperature-resistant steels have made efficiency in steam power plants possible and have the potential to be developed and employed even further.
- Combined heat and power (CHP) allows waste heat in power plants to be used for power generation as heat energy, increasing the overall efficiency of fossil fuel power plants. The waste heat is transported exclusively in steel pipes.
- Transformers: Transformers step down the voltage from power stations to household voltage. The magnetic core of transformers is made of steel. As a result of continual development and increased application of new electrical steel grades, the energy loss in modern transformers can be reduced by 35% compared to conventional ones.
Benefits of using steel in energy production and distribution
- Contains recycled steel and is endlessly recyclable
- Is safe and provides structural integrity
- Durable
- Strong
- Cost efficient compared to other materials
- Precise
- Steel pipes have a lower environmental impact than transporting water or fuels by truck or ship
- Wind towers are easy to set up and maintain
Get Solutions
Popular for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability, stainless steel has become a staple in the metals industry. Also to a complete inventory of virtually all shapes, sizes, and grades, China Tisco also offers custom stainless steel supply chain solutions and is able to deliver products to each customer’s exact specifications. Contact us to get a custom stainless steel supply chain solution!