Decarbonising Steel Production with Green Hydrogen: Advances and Challenges in India
Key Ideas
  • Steel production heavily reliant on coal causes significant CO2 emissions, prompting the need for sustainable alternatives like hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron (H-DRI).
  • Researchers at IIT Bombay are exploring green hydrogen production through water electrolysis using cobalt-based catalysts for decarbonising the steel industry.
  • Cobaloximes, cheaper alternatives to noble metals, show promise in enhancing hydrogen production rates and efficiency, paving the way for a more sustainable steelmaking process.
  • Combining hydrogen-based iron reduction with electric arc furnaces and CCUS strategies could lead to nearly carbon-neutral steel production, fostering a circular economy.
Steel production, a crucial component of global infrastructure, faces environmental challenges due to its heavy reliance on coal, leading to substantial CO2 emissions. To address this, researchers from IIT Bombay are advocating for the adoption of hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron (H-DRI) as a sustainable alternative. This method utilizes hydrogen instead of coal in the steel production process, resulting in water vapor rather than CO2 emissions. The shift towards 'green' hydrogen production through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy is seen as a key solution. However, challenges such as high costs and the need for effective catalysts like cobalt-based cobaloximes persist. These catalysts, though more affordable than noble metals, require further modifications for industrial-scale hydrogen production. By enhancing the stability and efficiency of cobaloximes, researchers aim to optimize hydrogen generation rates. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate electrolysers and furnaces, highlighting the potential of combining hydrogen-based iron reduction with electric arc furnaces for carbon-neutral steelmaking. The integration of green hydrogen with CCUS strategies further enhances emissions reduction and promotes a circular economy by repurposing captured CO2. The research underscores the potential of innovative solutions in transforming the steel industry towards sustainability, showcasing a pathway towards a greener and more efficient future.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.