Blog h2steel

Europe looks to the future. And when it comes to energy, the future is green. That is why Europe is accelerating its transition to clean

The EU phosphorus challenge The H2STEEL Project focuses on the recovery of biocoal and hydrogen from biowaste, aiming for a circular economy and sustainable system.

‘Green’ hydrogen is expected to play a major role in the energy transition as Europe looks to decarbonise and become climate-neutral by 2050. This Directive revised in 2023, it now requires that 42.5% of EU energy come from renewable sources by 2030, up from the previous target of 32%. This shift aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Achieving these ambitious goals requires collaboration between policymakers, industries, and researchers. The H2Steel project is an example of how cross-sector partnerships can advance the adoption of green hydrogen technologies, enabling the decarbonisation of critical sectors like steelmaking for a Greener Future.

‘Green’ hydrogen is expected to play a major role in the energy transition as Europe looks to decarbonise and become climate-neutral by 2050. This Directive revised in 2023, it now requires that 42.5% of EU energy come from renewable sources by 2030, up from the previous target of 32%. This shift aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Achieving these ambitious goals requires collaboration between policymakers, industries, and researchers. The H2Steel project is an example of how cross-sector partnerships can advance the adoption of green hydrogen technologies, enabling the decarbonisation of critical sectors like steelmaking for a Greener Future.

Biocoal, derived from biobased feedstocks, could replace fossil coal in EU steelmaking. Challenges include material differences, cost, and availability. Solutions involve carbon pricing, efficient processes like DRI and EAF, and using agricultural residues for biocoal production.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the steel industry has been vital to economic and technological progress. However, its reliance on coal has significantly contributed to climate change, with each tonne of steel produced releasing about 1.9 tonnes of CO₂. In 2022, the industry emitted approximately 3.6 billion tonnes of CO₂, accounting for about 7% of global emissions. Emerging green technologies, such as those promoted by the H2Steel project, aim to transform steel production by integrating renewable energy and hydrogen. This transition is crucial for achieving the EU’s climate-neutral goals and reducing the sector’s environmental impact.

The urgent global climate crisis underscores the interdependence between climate, ecosystems, and human societies. Transitioning to a circular economy, as outlined in the European Green Deal, is crucial for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Renewable hydrogen production is key for decarbonizing challenging sectors, despite hurdles like high costs. The H2STEEL project exemplifies innovative approaches to sustainable hydrogen production from bio-waste, aiming to cut CO2 emissions in the steel sector and support Europe’s climate goals.

Spain is on track to position itself as Europe’s future leader in green hydrogen production, harnessing its abundant solar and wind resources to foment sustainable