Steel Mills
USS Exploring Carbon Capture, Hydrogen to Reduce Emissions
Written by Michael Cowden
June 30, 2021
U.S. Steel is studying the possibilities for deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) as well as hydrogen-based production as part of its efforts to decarbonize.
The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker is doing so via a non-exclusive memorandum of understanding with a U.S. subsidiary of Norwegian energy company Equinor ASA.
The effort will be centered in the Mon Valley and might run across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, the company said.
“The successful development of hydrogen and CCS technology in the tri-state region will require investment, cooperation, and exploration across political and perceived barriers,” Richard Fruehauf, U.S. Steel’s chief strategy and sustainability officer, said in a statement.
The study is part of the company’s effort to be “net-zero” in terms of carbon emissions by 2050.
U.S. Steel thinks combining natural gas with CCS could get it a long way toward reaching that goal. Hydrogen and renewable energy are also key to reaching the zero emissions milestone.
Anchoring the project in the Mon Valley is significant because U.S. Steel earlier this year scrapped plans for a $1.3-billion upgrade to its Mon Valley Works in western Pennsylvania.
It is also significant because U.S. Steel is joining a growing number of steelmakers – including Cleveland-Cliffs, SSAB and Algoma – that appear to be paying more than just lip service to the importance of reducing CO2 emissions, a key driver of climate change.
By Michael Cowden, Michael@SteelMarketUpdate.com
Michael Cowden
Read more from Michael CowdenLatest in Steel Mills
Nippon’s Mori meets with Pa. Gov. Shapiro: Report
Nori, a top Nippon Steel official, met on Tuesday with Pennsylvania's governor, to discuss its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel.
Nippon won’t import slabs to US if U.S. Steel deal goes through
Nippon Steel has affirmed that if its $14.9-billion bid for U.S. Steel proves successful, the Japanese steelmaker will not import overseas-produced slabs to the US.
AISI: Raw steel production falls to 5-week low
Domestic raw steel mill production slipped to a five-week low last week, according to the latest figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Weekly production is now at the third-lowest level recorded this year.
Nucor maintains HR price at $750/ton
Nucor’s weekly consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil was unchanged week on week (w/w) at $750 per short ton (st) on Monday, Nov. 18.
Mexican court orders sale of officially bankrupt AHMSA
After failing to reach agreements with its creditors, Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA) has been formally declared bankrupt by a Mexican bankruptcy court.