A number of manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Mercedes, the Volkswagen Group and Volvo, will be playing a pioneering role. Sooner or later, others will follow suit, including Tesla.

Carmakers are setting themselves the goal of becoming carbon-neutral, which implies being more virtuous throughout the chain. In an article, Automotive News Europe provides an in-depth analysis, citing in particular Thyssenkrupp and Salzgitter. These German players are obviously targeting local Premium players. As a matter of fact, the dynamic is on the rise, as the German government has earmarked 50 billion to decarbonise the industry as part of its strategy.

The German federation of steel producers is considering a label to promote steel made from 100% green hydrogen.

There is also another company, based in Sweden, which is making waves. H2 Green Steel has made hydrogen its business and is planning large-scale production. It has just signed a deal with Porsche, a prime target after Mercedes. There is also SSAB, which will supply the equipment manufacturer Faurecia (Forvia group).

Operations are due to start in 2026.

The automotive industry will begin the process, starting with Premium brands because of the higher cost of hydrogen. It will probably be joined by Tesla which, in its latest Master Plan, mentioned the advantages of hydrogen for decarbonising steel production.

Do you want to learn more about green steel production by way of hydrogen? Then our latest 2 articles on the subject should interest you. You can read them here and there. 

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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King