Could charcoal from wood replace coal for steel making?

Question

Let’s suppose we stop burning wood for heat, and instead use (as charcoal) it to replace metallurgic coal.

Is production of wood greater or less than what we need to stop using metallurgic coal?

In: Planetary Science

Answer 1

It’s absolutely possible. But it’s easy to go from a carbon rich rock to the coke that’s needed for steel production. There are a lot more steps to go from a wet tree planted in a forest to a similar substance.

Answer 2

Charcoal is already used to make steel., but coal is better and more efficient. And you have to make charcoal first.