Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute has welcomed a recommendation to the UK Government to “commit to a pilot of hydrogen-based steel production in the UK as part of its industrial decarbonisation strategy”.

Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the national steel innovation centre gave oral evidence to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee, in addition to the Institute’s formal written evidence[1].

It follows publication of the Teesside-based Institute’s “Decarbonisation of the Steel Industry in the UK[2]” paper in March 2021.

Jointly authored with industrial consultancy, Syndex, it made a series of recommendations about how the decarbonisation of the steel industry provides Britain with an opportunity to stimulate domestic production and take a lead in the new Green Industrial Revolution.

Chris McDonald said: “Delivery of a DRI-hydrogen based solution alongside electric arc furnace technology for steel decarbonisation would enable Britain to deliver the net zero ambitions coming out of COP26 whilst allowing a smooth and just transition for the workforce.

“Speed is of the essence and an industrially-focused innovation strategy accelerating pilot and demonstration facilities will enable British steel producers to catch up with competitors in Sweden, Germany, Canada and even China. The Prime Minister is right to describe UK steel as a “great national asset” so getting this right is essential to deliver the Green Industrial Revolution.

“The Select Committee’s recommendations for R&D’s role delivering decarbonisation can set Britain on the right track to a greener and more productive steel industry.”

ENDS

[1] https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/38820/html/

[2] https://www.mpiuk.com/downloads/industry-papers/SI-Series-Paper-05-Decarbonisation-of-the-Steel-Industry-in-the-UK.pdf

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MATERIALS PROCESSING INSTITUTE

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Douglas 01325 363 436

Photo caption: Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute

Notes to editors:

BEIS Select Committee

The BEIS Select Committee’s report made two recommendations in paragraph 185 and 186 regarding decarbonisation and the potential of hydrogen direct reduced iron:

185. We identified enthusiasm from many witnesses for the use of hydrogen direct reduced iron as a technology well-suited to decarbonising the UK steel industry. However, as with other potential solutions, it is a technology that remains untested at scale. A pilot of hydrogen-based steel production in the UK would help to inform future decisions on decarbonisation; create initial capability; develop UK-based expertise; and facilitate a switch to hydrogen once the technology is proven.

186. The Government should commit to a pilot of hydrogen-based steel production in the UK as part of its industrial decarbonisation strategy. Funding for the project should be sought in partnership with interested steel businesses or backed in part by the Clean Steel Fund. The Government should further consult on the most appropriate location for the pilot which would deliver the widest benefit for industry as a whole.

Materials Processing Institute

The Materials Processing Institute is a research and innovation centre serving global steel and materials organisations that work in advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy and digital technologies.

The Institute has served as the UK’s national steel innovation centre since 1944 having been set up by Sir Winston Churchill’s wartime government just before D-Day to equip the British steel industry for post-war reconstruction. It celebrated its 75^th anniversary in 2019.

Through collaboration with its customers, the Institute provides a range of technology and R&D based services and consultancy. It also has pilot and demonstration facilities and an SME Technology Centre to support supply chain businesses with the development of new technologies and products.

Works with: steel, metals and alloys, chemical processes, aerospace and defence, energy, mining and quarrying, construction, rail, transport, and infrastructure, offshore, subsea, and nuclear.

The Materials Processing Institute includes developments funded through Tees Valley Combined Authority, through the Local Growth Fund (Growth Deal).