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 off-shore 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 is used in nuclear and fossil fuel-based energy:
mining equipment
offshore oil platforms
equipment for oil and gas extraction and production
natural gas and oil pipelines and storage tanks
power plants.
Steel is used for the production and distribution of electricity:
transformers (magnetic steel core)
generators and electric motors
power distribution pylons and steel-reinforced cables.
Steel is used for energy transport and distribution:
ships, trucks and trains used to transport fuel
transport networks: steel is required for bridges, tunnels, rail track, and in constructing buildings such as fueling stations, train stations, ports and airports.
