Posted on 23 Nov 2023
Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) have shaken hands for a partnership to develop a green hydrogen pilot project to decarbonise the steel sector in the country, notes Kallanish.
Located at ESA’s production facilities in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, the project is currently in the installation phase. Electrolysers have already been delivered to the site to help produce green steel, and are expected to be commissioned in early 2024. The project will demonstrate the use of green hydrogen – instead of natural gas – to reduce iron from iron ore, according to a joint statement by the firms.
With the UN climate change conference, COP28, set to begin in the UAE at the end of this month, innovative projects that halt emissions without stifling progress will be a focus of international attention. It is also a significant step in enabling the UAE’s strategy of making the country one of the world’s largest hydrogen producers by 2031, the firms observe.
ESA chief executive Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi says: “We strongly believe in the power of collaboration to achieve our ambitious decarbonisation roadmap and are delighted to partner with Masdar to realise this goal, known for its successful track record in developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions in the UAE and globally. As the first steel company in the MENA region and among the pioneers worldwide to adopt green hydrogen for sustainable steel production, this project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to realising our company’s sustainability objectives.”
Masdar chief executive Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi comments: “Masdar is very pleased to partner with Emirates Steel Arkan on this innovative project to decarbonise this vital sector. Steel is an essential commodity driving economic growth and creating jobs and this project presents huge potential for reducing emissions while increasing trade. Masdar has been pioneering renewable energy projects around the world for more than 17 years.”
ESA, through five modules, can produce 4.2 million tonnes/year of direct reduced iron and 3.5m t/y of steel. It has an ongoing effective carbon capture programme. The captured CO2 is injected to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's oil wells, which enhances oil extraction. ESA is targeting reducing its carbon footprint by 40% by 2030, with the primary aim to achieve net-zero by 2050.
Source:Kallanish
