Tougher net-zero targets for Nucor

Nucor Corporation has announced Net-Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) targets for 2050 and set out an updated interim target for 2030.

Nucor says that because the goals include scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions from the production of hot rolled steel, it is the first diversified steelmaker in the US to set GHG reduction targets encompassing all three scopes. It calls the new targets are more ambitious than a previous target of a 35% reduction in steel mill scope 1 and scope 2 GHG intensity by 2030, using 2015 as a baseline, announced in 2021.

‘We are the North American leader in sustainable steelmaking, and these targets further highlight our leadership role in developing clean solutions for the entire steel industry, as well as empowering our customers to meet their business and environmental goals successfully,’ says Leon Topalian, ceo of Nucor. 

‘In recent years, we have made purposeful investments to increase the availability of carbon-free electricity, and to support other emerging technologies that will help lead the way to a clean industrial future.’

Recycled scrap

Nucor claims to be one of the cleanest steel producers in the world as its production process uses an average of nearly 80% recycled scrap. Its strategy includes increasing the use of clean electricity, carbon capture and sequestration and near-zero GHG iron-making. 

Nucor will also seek to reduce its consumption of injection and charge carbon and will reduce the use of natural gas in its production processes.

‘We believe that transparency in reporting emissions and routinely updating emissions reduction plans are each important to successfully address climate change,’ adds Greg Murphy, Nucor’s executive vp of business services, sustainability and general counsel.

‘These targets and the details of our plans to achieve them will provide our customers, investors and policymakers with a clear roadmap of where Nucor is going and how we plan to get there.’