Exploring every possibility: Steel’s role in a hydrogen economy
12.23.2019
Hydrogen is the simplest element found on earth, consisting of only one proton and one electron. But because of its unique ability to store energy, many believe that hydrogen is the key to a clean energy future that will help societies around the world reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and strengthen energy security. If a so-called “hydrogen economy” is coming, then ArcelorMittal will be ready.
“We are preparing for a major energy transition,” explained Dr. Murali Manohar, division manager, plates, energy and infrastructure products at ArcelorMittal’s global research and development (R&D) center in East Chicago, Indiana.
“Countries and industries around the world are looking at how to transition from traditional carbon-based energy sources, like coal and fossil fuels, to what we are now imagining as a hydrogen economy.”
According to Manohar, ArcelorMittal is poised to lead the transition to a cleaner, more efficient economy. This includes exploring new, low-emission steelmaking options with carbon capture and storage, electrolysis or hydrogen-based solutions. Carbon reduction, including through hydrogen deployment, is a strategic priority for R&D and one of the main messages communicated in ArcelorMittal’s first Climate Action Report, published earlier this year.
“At the same time, as a global leader in innovative steel solutions and a significant supplier to today’s energy markets, we also see great opportunity for our product – steel and steel-based solutions – to be a major enabler to the hydrogen economy. To seize this opportunity, we must be more innovative, adaptive and collaborative than ever before,” said Manohar.
To this end, ArcelorMittal has begun engaging external resources, such as the U.S. Department of Energy, and leveraging partnerships with the national labs, targeted universities and other industries.
Anders Werme directs ArcelorMittal global R&D’s energy products portfolio and is leading the group’s strategy for this fast-developing energy sector. Despite its simple atomic structure, “Hydrogen is a complicated creature,” Werme explained. The technology and infrastructure to cost-effectively produce, store, transport and distribute hydrogen at scale do not yet exist in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. “This creates a business opportunity because ArcelorMittal steel is an obvious material choice for many of these needs.”
Werme asks, “Might our steel be used in the equipment that separates hydrogen from a water molecule? Could hydrogen be transported via steel pipelines, like oil and gas? Are multi-layered steel tanks the perfect vessel for storing highly pressurized hydrogen? We are exploring every possibility.”
ArcelorMittal’s R&D teams are no strangers to this kind of innovation challenge. The company’s scientists have invented unique and cutting-edge steel solutions that are used extensively today in existing traditional energy markets. Currently, ArcelorMittal’s high performing steels are widely used for oil and gas exploration and production, transport, refining and storage, as well as in thermal, nuclear and renewable energy industries.
(Read Manohar’s blog on this topic, “Oil and gas pipelines rely on safe, sustainable steel and innovation.”)
Werme and Manohar said R&D is employing the same innovative approach to identify and create solutions for the emerging hydrogen energy market.
“Ultimately, we may experience a change to the world’s entire energy supply system, which will shape generations, and we believe ArcelorMittal has something very important to contribute. It is exciting to be a part of this journey,” said Manohar.
<< Back to Our stories
