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londons_explorer t1_j6h7wrf wrote

The energy requirements are much higher than just melting... The main energy consumer is removing the oxygen

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danielravennest t1_j6j66zg wrote

The energy of formation of Iron III Oxide is 5.16 MJ/kg or 1433 kWh/ton. Actual energy needed depends on the efficiency of the process, including heat losses.

Wholesale solar and wind range from $26-50/MWh x 1.433 MWh/ton = $37-72/ton. Since steel goes for ~$750/ton these days, power cost is not a show-stopper at reasonable efficiency.

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