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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
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