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.

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

IEEFA

Middle East Energy Transition

Also Read

Retirement of oil and gas plants needs five times the speed to achieve climate goals

ARENA OKs AGL Energy on Australia’s largest grid-forming battery project

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!

I want to download the media kit