EU ramps up support for hydrogen in metals

European Commission backs hydrogen as best option to decarbonise steel sector, but questions remain over technology choices and funding

The European Commission’s European Steel and Metals Action Plan, coupled with its Clean Industrial Deal, offers strong support for the deployment of clean hydrogen in the metals sector. The plan, released in March, said hydrogen is the most promising option to decarbonise steel production and that the fuel is also the “main contender” to provide high-temperature heat in replacement of natural gas in other metals industries. Both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen will be needed to decarbonise heavy industry, according to the plan. To this end, the Commission has said it will shortly adopt a Delegated Act that will set out rules “that are as flexible as possible” for low-carbon hydrogen produc