MENA's Opportunity to Lead the Global Green Iron and Steel Industry
Key Ideas
- MENA region has significant competitive advantages in transitioning to green iron and steel production, supported by major projects in renewables, green hydrogen, and DRI.
- The region's fast-growing steel industry is a leading hub for gas-based DRI production, with lower emissions and the flexibility to transition to green hydrogen.
- MENA's DRI capacity is expanding rapidly, accounting for 45% of global production in 2023, with reliable access to iron ore feedstocks and growing renewable energy markets.
- By leveraging its infrastructure and investments in low-emissions technologies, MENA can establish itself as a key supplier of green iron and steel to global markets like Europe and Asia.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is poised to take the lead in the global industry's shift towards green iron and steel production. With the global focus on decarbonizing steel production, MENA has a competitive edge due to its investments in renewables, green hydrogen, and direct reduced iron (DRI). The region is a major player in gas-based DRI production, which offers lower emissions compared to traditional coal-based methods. This also allows for an easy transition from fossil gas to green hydrogen, further reducing emissions. MENA's DRI production capacity has been rapidly growing, representing 45% of global production in 2023, thanks to its access to abundant and high-quality iron ore feedstocks.
Moreover, MENA boasts a rapidly growing renewable energy market, with some of the world's most affordable renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This has positioned the region as a leading hub for green hydrogen, with its integration into steelmaking processes already in progress. The established infrastructure and increasing investments in low-emissions technologies in MENA provide a solid foundation for capturing the opportunities presented by the green steel market. By capitalizing on these strengths, the region can establish itself as a major supplier of green iron and steel to key markets such as Europe and Asia, solidifying its position in the global green industry transition.
Topics
Projects
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Investment
Decarbonisation
Industry Transition
Steel Market
Competitive Advantages
DRI Production
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