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Green steel: 10 breakthrough technologies 2025

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on MIT Technology Review or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Swedish startup Stegra (formerly H2 Green Steel) is building a $7 billion plant in Boden to produce nearly zero-emissions steel using green hydrogen
This process, powered by wind and hydropower, splits water into hydrogen for use in steel production, aiming to start operations in 2026
Other efforts, like Boston Metal’s electrolysis method and the Hybrit initiative, seek to revolutionize steelmaking, which currently generates 8% of global carbon emissions

🔭 The context: Traditional steelmaking relies on coal-based blast furnaces, emitting over two tons of CO₂ per ton of steel
Direct reduction with natural gas reduces emissions by 40% but remains carbon-intensive
Green hydrogen processes and clean electricity could slash emissions to near-zero, positioning green steel as a key climate solution

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The steel industry is a major contributor to global emissions
Transitioning to green steel can dramatically reduce its carbon footprint, aiding climate goals while fostering sustainable industrial practices
Green hydrogen could serve as a model for decarbonizing other heavy industries

⏭️ What's next: Stegra’s plant aims to produce 4.5 million metric tons of green steel annually, marking a critical milestone
Challenges like scaling production, obtaining environmental permits, and ensuring customer adoption of higher-cost green steel remain
With other firms like Boston Metal targeting commercialization by 2026, the race for greener steel is intensifying

💬 One quote: “Showing that steel can be made without huge carbon emissions, and that customers eager for a green product will pay a premium, will be a promising start to cleaning up the industry”

📈 One stat: Stegra's planned production of 4.5 million metric tons is a fraction of the several billion metric tons of steel produced globally each year

Click for more news covering the latest on green tech 

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