Monday 7 February 2022

EAC opens ‘green steel’ enquiry

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has begun looking into ‘green steel’ and how it should be considered a key element for a low carbon future.

Crucial in the construction of wind turbines and electric vehicles (EVs), steel produces heavy carbon emissions, with one tonne of steel producing two tonnes of carbon.

The EAC has therefore launched a new enquiry, examining green steel and encouraging written submissions to address its implementation and growth as an industry.

It has concluded that achieving the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) aim of decarbonising UK steel production by 2035 is ambitious but industry must act now if there is any chance of success.

Chairman Philip Dunne MP said: “Steel is the bedrock for many of our low-carbon aspirations: from electricity generation to our modes of transport – but wind turbines and EVs have a major carbon footprint due to the steel used to manufacture them.

“We will be exploring the technological innovations available to make the steel sector more environmentally friendly. I encourage all those engaged in transforming this essential industry to consider contributing to this stage of our inquiry.

“Decarbonisation of the sector is a real test of the government’s mettle and the ingenuity and ambition of UK industry. Successful use of technological advances to green the industry will make a substantial contribution to the goal of net zero Britain.”