The energy consumed in the production of steel products may be broadly segmented into crude steel production and downstream heat treatment. The downstream heat treatment enhances the mechanical properties of steel products enabling superior performance in a highly challenging operating environment. It enables the production of steels with high strength, better ductility and improved toughness among others. Such properties are invaluable in the production of stronger and lighter automobiles, fabrication of large wind towers to support the growth of renewable power production capacity while managing the material footprint optimally. This article aims to review salient aspects of steel heat treatment and its role in supporting decarbonisation efforts.
