, Middle East
Source: Pexels

MENA region is poised to become global leader in green steel

This comes amidst the shift to direct reduced iron and green hydrogen in reducing emissions.

The Middle East and North Africa could emerge as a global leader in production of green steel as the world shifts to direct reduced iron (DRI) and green hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions. 

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), the region’s steel sector is dominated by DRI-electric arc furnace technology that releases lower emissions, in comparison to the blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace process used in over 70% of global production. 

“The MENA region can lead the world if it shifts promptly to renewables and applies green hydrogen in its steel sector,” IEEFA report author Soroush Basirat said.

Read more: IRENA, RCREEE renews partnership to scale up RE deployment in MENA

Basirat said in 2021, the region produced 3% of global crude steel but accounted for about 46% of the DRI production. 

“MENA’s knowledge of this specific steel technology is an invaluable asset. This production knowledge, abetted by further work on iron ore beneficiation, pelletising, and DR plants, is among the most important steel decarbonisation pillars, and will greatly assist MENA’s transition,” Basirat said. 

“Compared to other regions, MENA’s existing DRI-EAF capacity means no extra investment is needed for replacing the base technology. All new investment could be focused on expanding the production of green hydrogen among other renewables.

According to the International Energy Agency, the global share of hydrogen-based DRI-EAF production reaching 29% of primary steelmaking by 2050. 

BloombergNEF estimates that 56% (840 million tonnes) of primary steel production will come from H2DRI-EAF by 2050 in a net zero emissions scenario.

 

 

Follow the link for more news on

Join Asian Power community
Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Exclusives

SMRs may deliver their climate promise too little, too late 
As these nuclear reactors are still in development, their wide deployment is unlikely, analysts say. 
How grid enhancements can ignite Malaysia's solar energy boom
Experts warn that grid enhancements will be crucial for the solar energy mix, which accounted for 18% of the country's RE.
ASEAN’s energy security is at risk as it prepares for gas and coal imports
The region’s reliance on fossil fuel imports threatens its energy security due to price volatility and lack of affordability.

Event News

Event News

Indonesia unleashing potential in new and renewable energy
Nine speakers at Jakarta 2023 Asian Power Forum flex government-private sector team-up to power up Indonesia’s energy landscape into the future. Indonesia’s power sector is poised for growth, thanks to new renewable energy initiatives, modernized transmission infrastructure, and the country’s unique archipelagic and resource-rich environment. These conditions were the center of discussions among industry leaders and stakeholders at Jakarta 2023 Asian Power Forum held at the Pullman Hotel last May 4.