Clean Hydrogen–Based Steel in China and Europe: Policy Development and China’s Implication

The steel industry accounts for nearly 10 percent of global carbon emissions and 17 percent of China’s emissions. The timeline and roadmap for decarbonization of the steel industry is crucial for the low- and zero-carbon transition across the global economy. Clean hydrogen-based steelmaking is a zero-carbon solution that has the potential to reach parity with traditional steelmaking routes.

Clean hydrogen-based steelmaking pilot projects and large-scale developments need effective policy support and best practice guidance. In Europe, government funding to support hydrogen-based steelmaking currently covers a wide range of project stages. China has put forward a series of high-level policies to support hydrogen steelmaking technology R&D, alliance establishment, pilot and demonstration, and capacity replacement.

RMI’s latest insight brief Clean Hydrogen–Based Steel in China and Europe: Policy Development and China’s Implication compares the characteristics of clean hydrogen steelmaking policies in China and Europe, analyzes and estimates the development potential of hydrogen-based steelmaking in China based on local industry features, and provides relevant policy recommendations for promoting the development of clean hydrogen-based steelmaking.