Steel sector moves early on hydrogen

Hydrogen strategy options for steelmakers include placing upstream iron production close to cheap renewables

The steel industry is emerging as an early mover in the deployment of hydrogen to cut emissions, with commercial-scale production of green steel possible by 2030, according to speakers at the First Element hydrogen conference. Net-zero policies and rising carbon prices are driving steel companies to develop strategies to decarbonise—mainly by replacing coking coal with hydrogen. And the size of investments in green steel pilot production already announced confirm the industry’s commitment to making the switch, speakers told a panel discussion. “It does feel like [steel] is the industrial sector that has already moved furthest. And I think what you will find is that steel is where the economi