Professor Mao Xinping, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, tenured professor at University of Science and Technology Beijing, and Dean of Institute for Carbon Neutrality at University of Science and Technology Beijing, the Director of the Expert Committee of the Steel Industry Low-Carbon Promotion Committee. Prof. Mao's research career has been dedicated to the investigation of advanced steel materials and their environmentally sustainable low-carbon preparation technologies. One of his notable research endeavors focuses on the development of novel titanium micro-alloyed steels utilizing thin slab continuous casting and rolling processes, leading to the creation of a series of tailored Ti micro-alloyed steels to employing the resource characteristics of China. Additionally, he has spearheaded the design and development of high-performance automotive body steels through near-net-shape manufacturing techniques, including thin slab continuous casting and rolling, and strip casting methodologies. These groundbreaking advancements have yielded a substantial reduction in the carbon emissions associated with the production of automotive steels. Additionally, Prof. Mao has provided strategic oversight in the design and development of a range of high-performance bridge steels, which have found demonstrative applications in major bridge construction projects across China. His contributions have earned three National Science and Technology Progress Awards with Second Prize, nine First Prizes of Provincial and Ministerial-Level Science and Technology Progress Award. His scholarly output includes the authorship of four books and the publication of over 200 research papers.

Title: Vision and Technological Path towards Carbon Neutrality in Chinese Iron and Steel Industry

Abstract: The escalating global temperatures resulting in climate alteration present a momentous predicament for the sustainable advancement of human civilization. Mitigating this predicament hinges significantly on the reduction of carbon emissions. Following the ratification of the ‘Paris Agreement’, carbon neutrality has garnered unanimous consensus among prominent countries across the world. Steel, an indispensable foundational material in structural engineering, assumes a pivotal role across diverse industries; however, its manufacturing process is renowned for its resource and energy-intensive nature. Over the past three decades, China has made significant progresses in the eco-reformation of its steel production sector, marking an approximate 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per metric ton of steel. However, due to its massive production capacity, the total carbon emissions remain high. In light of China's resource endowment, energy structure, and current development status, the Chinese steel industry has delineated a strategic framework comprising six 'dual-carbon' technology pathways. These pathways are underpinned by the optimization of resource and energy structures, with a pronounced emphasis on process refinement, the enhancement of energy efficiency, and the pursuit of innovative technological paradigms, supporting by green and low-carbon products and cross-industry collaboration. By following these pathways, the ultimate objective is to achieve carbon peaking by 2030, followed by carbon neutrality by 2060, in alignment with China's vision for sustainable development.