Two routes to green steel: the choice facing European steelmakers (IMAGE)
Caption
Route A (top): Green iron produced at "sweetspot" locations using local renewable hydrogen and iron ore, shipped as solid Hot Briquetted Iron to European electric arc furnace steelmakers. Route B (bottom): Europe imports hydrogen (expensive, complicated transport) and iron ore separately, producing green iron domestically at higher cost. Both routes retain steelmaking, products, and downstream industry—where 90% of jobs are—in Europe. Route A delivers 27% lower iron costs, enhancing competitiveness across the value chain. The same configuration that benefits European steelmakers provides developing country producers with bankable anchor investment—the foundation for both export industries and domestic steel sectors serving local infrastructure needs.
Credit
Design and Graphics: Ivan Pharabod. Concept: Author.
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