Mauritania's Green Hydrogen Initiative for Steel Industry Decarbonization
Key Ideas
- Mauritania and CWP Global partner to establish a hub for hot briquetted iron (HBI) production using green hydrogen, aiming to decarbonize the steel industry.
- HBI production with green hydrogen is crucial for meeting Europe's industrial decarbonization goals and reducing CO2 emissions significantly.
- The project is expected to reduce millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually and support Mauritania's ambition to become a key player in the global iron market.
- CWP's 'Aman' project will provide 30 GW of renewable energy capacity to produce green hydrogen, contributing to the country's energy self-sufficiency and steel industry development.
In a recent partnership between SNIM and CWP Global, Mauritania is gearing up to establish a production hub for pre-reduced iron ore, converting it into hot briquetted iron (HBI) with the use of green hydrogen. HBI, known for its superior quality, is created at high temperatures and high density to address challenges in handling iron ore. This initiative is a significant step towards decarbonizing the steel industry, replacing traditional blast furnaces that emit substantial CO2. CWP's 'Aman' project will supply green hydrogen, water, and electricity for Mauritania's HBI production, aimed at reducing millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually. The plan includes developing 30 GW of renewable energy capacity for green hydrogen production, supporting local consumption and export. By focusing on green hydrogen-based HBI production, Mauritania aims to position itself as a major player in the global iron market. SNIM's monopoly on iron production and the country's current production scale showcases the potential for significant growth in the iron industry. The partnership signifies a significant leap towards sustainable steel production, aligning with global efforts towards decarbonization and green energy adoption.