GRK 3139:  Circular Steel – Enablers for a circular economy of climate-neutral steel

• Subject Area: Materials Engineering
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 546471228

Representing more than 20% of the global industrial CO2 emissions, the steel value chain provides a powerful lever to substantially contribute to the goal of a carbon neutral society in 2050. The proposed research raining group (RTG) aims at the education of experts that can implement the profound transformation towards a circular economy of climate-neutral steel. The four interconnected research areas address the most relevant technological and scientific challenges: (i) adaptation of the electric arc furnace for using directly reduced iron as well as circular scrap in steel production, (ii) accumulation of detrimental trace elements with a focus on copper during circular steel usage, (iii) energetically optimized steel processing routes, and (iv) strategies to extend the longevity and identify reuse and remanufacturing potentials. Data-driven methods of life cycle analysis will be developed to be used as a complementary measure to optimize the entire steel product value chain to a minimize its carbon foot print. A structured qualification program that involves a scientific and industrial advisory board will ensure a holistic view on the highly complex transition process of the steel industry and complete the research scopes of this RTG.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Krupp
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Bergs; Dr.-Ing. Thomas Echterhof; Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd Friedrich; Professorin Dr. Kathrin Greiff; Professorin Dr. Ruth Schwaiger; Professor Dr.-Ing. Hauke Springer; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Marzia Traverso; Professor Dr.-Ing. Tobias Vraetz; Professorin Dr. Grit Walther; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Daniela Zander