Synopsis:
Emirates Steel Arkan, Ohmium International, and Khalifa University unite in a groundbreaking collaboration on hydrogen research and development. Witnessed by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at COP28, the strategic alliance underpins the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. Focused on accelerating green hydrogen adoption, the partnership aims to position Emirates Steel as a leader in green steel production. This industry-academia alliance aligns with the UAE's decarbonization goals, supporting low-carbon transformation and sustainable steel solutions.
Article:
In a momentous collaboration witnessed at COP28, Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA), Ohmium International, and Khalifa University joined forces to propel hydrogen research and development into a new era. The signing ceremony, held at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's pavilion, marks a significant stride towards realizing the ambitious goals set by the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative.
Emirates Steel Arkan, a prominent steel and building materials manufacturer, partners with Ohmium International, a leading green hydrogen company specializing in advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. Khalifa University, an esteemed academic institution based in the UAE, completes this strategic trio.
The collaboration stems from a shared vision—to accelerate the uptake of green hydrogen, a clean energy source, particularly in the steel sector. The goal is clear: for Emirates Steel to emerge as a frontrunner in the production of green steel. As part of the agreement, the three entities will focus on developing cleaner production methods, paving the way for the creation of sustainable steel products suitable for use in construction and infrastructure projects.
Aligned with the UAE National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the collaboration contributes to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. The initiative supports the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, emphasizing the country's commitment to economic diversification and sustainability.
The 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative seeks to foster a comprehensive research and development program. Its primary aim is to advance the low-carbon transformation of the UAE steel sector, culminating in the production of green steel. By fostering collaboration between the private sector and academia, this partnership aims to drive innovation, education, and sustainability in the steel industry.
This collaboration uniquely positions each organization to contribute its expertise towards fully optimizing the application of green hydrogen in the production of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI). Additionally, the partnership will leverage Ohmium's advanced power electronics capabilities to enhance the power quality of the steel plant's grid.
Abdulla Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Growth Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasized the pioneering nature of the UAE in advancing industries like green steel. Research and development play a crucial role in fostering new technologies and innovations that facilitate industrial decarbonization.
Saeed Alghafri, CEO of Emirates Steel, expressed the company's ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 through industry-wide decarbonization. Incorporating innovative technologies is key to delivering high-quality, low-carbon products and supporting the UAE's climate neutrality goals.
Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President of Khalifa University, highlighted the institution's research expertise and its commitment to cleaner production methods. The collaboration provides an opportunity to contribute to decarbonization efforts within the UAE and globally.
Arne Ballantine, CEO of Ohmium International, emphasized the collaboration's potential to fast-track the production of high-value, low-carbon impact steel. The alliance leverages each organization's strengths to support the steel sector's decarbonization ambitions on a larger scale.
Conclusion:
The strategic collaboration between Emirates Steel Arkan, Ohmium International, and Khalifa University signifies a momentous leap towards a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future for the steel industry. As the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative drives innovation, education, and sustainability, this alliance positions Emirates Steel at the forefront of green steel production. The collaboration aligns with the UAE's decarbonization goals, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in unlocking the potential of hydrogen research and development. Through shared expertise and a commitment to cleaner production, the alliance is poised to make significant contributions to the global transition to low-carbon steel solutions.
