Green Steel Revolution: Asian Countries Racing for Low-Carbon Steel Dominance
Key Ideas
  • Nippon Steel leads in green steel technology, achieving a 43% reduction in emissions, setting a world record.
  • Japan plans to subsidize vehicles using low-carbon steel, aiming to encourage green steel adoption across industries like construction and railroads.
  • Challenges remain in commercializing green steel due to scalability issues, cost-effectiveness concerns, and insufficient local green hydrogen supply.
  • China and South Korea are also advancing in low-carbon steel technology, with China potentially leading in DRI technology by 2030, posing competition for global dominance.
The steel sector accounts for about 7% of global carbon emissions, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to low-carbon steel production. Companies in Japan, South Korea, and China, including Nippon Steel, are at the forefront of developing green steel technologies. Nippon Steel has achieved a significant milestone by reducing emissions by 43% through the use of green hydrogen in steelmaking, setting a world record. Japan is set to introduce subsidies for vehicles utilizing low-carbon steel and is considering legal amendments to promote green steel adoption in various sectors. However, challenges such as scalability issues and the need to import hydrogen may hinder full commercialization. Meanwhile, China's Baowu Steel Group and South Korea's POSCO are also making strides in low-carbon steel technology, with China aiming to lead in DRI technology by 2030. The competition between these countries for dominance in low-carbon steel technology highlights the global shift towards sustainable manufacturing practices.
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