IEFFA – Green Iron and Steel offer MENA a chance to shine

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has the potential to become a leading producer of cheap green hydrogen, thanks to its abundant solar resources. However, exporting this hydrogen would be inefficient and expensive. Instead, MENA should focus on using green hydrogen domestically and establishing itself as a global leader in the emerging green iron trade. The region already has an advantage in this area due to its established use of direct reduced iron (DRI) technology. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and blue hydrogen are not viable alternatives to green hydrogen due to their poor track record. With the global steel sector transitioning to decarbonization, the MENA region is strategically positioned to supply the growing markets for green iron and steel, both regionally and globally.