Japan urged to transition to green steel

Japan has a reputation for producing high-quality steel, but steel production is one of the country’s most polluting industries, responsible for more than 40% of Japan’s industrial CO2 emissions. SteelZero is a global initiative to create net zero steel and is urging Japan to invest in green steel.

World industries and economies rely on steel. For instance, a warehouse equipment manufacturer needs tubular steel for shelving, trolleys, packing tables and other essential material handling and storage equipment. A major issue with steel is that its manufacturer is responsible for about 8% of global carbon emissions. The steel industry is researching and implementing ways to reduce carbon emissions.

SteelZero claims that half of Japan’s steel-making blast furnaces will need replacing by 2030. Ideally, furnaces that emit less carbon can be installed.

SteelZero is collaborating with steel organisations to accelerate the transition to a net-zero steel industry. Their target is 50% low-emission steel by 2030, and eventually 100% net zero steel by 2050. Their initiative to improve Japan’s and other countries’ steel industries is designed to shift the global demand towards greener steel.

SteelZero argues that Japan can have a competitive advantage if it switches to net zero steel. The European Union and the USA are expected to introduce tariffs on high-carbon products imported from outside their borders. This will penalise steel produced with high carbon emissions. The global market for non-green steel will shrink. To maintain strong trading links with export markets, SteelZero claims that it is in the best interests of Japan to produce green steel.

You may also interested in: