Which refining method is generally more energy-efficient?

The basic oxygen process is considered more energy-efficient compared to the electric arc process when it comes to refining steel. This is primarily because the basic oxygen process uses less electricity and can utilize the heat generated during the reaction of molten iron with pure oxygen to convert it into steel. The rapid combustion of carbon in the molten iron leads to considerable thermal energy production, which helps drive the reactions that produce steel, resulting in lower overall energy consumption.

In contrast, while the electric arc process is effective for recycling steel and producing high-quality steel alloys, it relies heavily on electric energy, making it typically less energy-efficient than the basic oxygen process. The distinctions in energy sources and the processes involved significantly influence their overall efficiency in refining iron and steel. Consequently, the basic oxygen process is generally recognized as the more energy-efficient method in large-scale steel production.