Operations are under way at a new green hydrogen-based steel project in Abu Dhabi, run by Emsteel, formerly known as Emirates Steel Arkan, and Masdar, as part of the UAE’s decarbonisation efforts in hard-to-abate sectors.
The pilot project, the first of its kind in the Mena region, uses green hydrogen instead of natural gas to extract iron from iron ore and has already produced green steel, the companies said on Monday.
It was first announced in November last year, ahead of the UAE’s hosting of the Cop28 climate conference.
Officials at the inauguration did not disclose the production capacity or costs associated with the green steel project but described it as the “first step” in scaling up the UAE’s green steel production.
“This is a pilot project, so it's not like we can go ahead and talk about it [output] now … we're just testing it and seeing how it works,” said Saeed Alghafri, chief executive of Emirates Steel, a part of Emsteel.
The company is in discussions with local players in the UAE to sign offtake agreements and plans to export the low-carbon metal to Europe, Mr Alghafri said.
The renewable hydrogen generated by the project has been certified by Avance Labs, the hydrogen code manager accredited by the International Tracking Standard Foundation. Bureau Veritas, serving as the third-party assurance provider, validated the certification data.
“Steel is the backbone of the modern economy. It supports infrastructure, drives the nation, and shapes our industrial landscape,” Saeed Al Remeithi, group chief executive of Emsteel said in a keynote speech.
“However, the [steel sector] accounts for 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions [worldwide], a challenge we must address today,” he said.
Emsteel, which is majority-owned by Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ, has a total annual production capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of steel and 4.6 million tonnes of cement.
The Emirates’ hydrogen ambitions include becoming one of the top 10 producers of green hydrogen by 2031 and reaching a production target of 1.4 million tonnes a year.
“Decarbonising the [steel] sector is critical if we are to meet global climate targets and continue to drive the energy transition forward,” said Mohamed Al Ramahi, chief executive of Masdar.
“By utilising green hydrogen to decarbonise steel production, we have demonstrated not only the visibility of green steel production, but also the potential it holds in transforming the entire steel value chain,” he said.
The EU, the world’s largest steel importer, will fully implement a comprehensive carbon tariff system, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), in 2026. CBAM, which seeks to protect European companies that pay for their emissions under the EU's trading system from unfair competition, will impose a carbon price on certain goods imported into the bloc.
Experts say it may give a competitive advantage to producers of low-carbon metals.
“Even in Europe today, demand [for green steel] is not really mature. What is really important today is not the demand, but the awareness,” Mr Alghafri said.
Last year, the EU imported 37.3 million tonnes of steel, an 8.7 per cent increase over the previous year, according to the International Trade Administration.
One of the main challenges to producing green steel is the significantly higher cost compared to traditional methods.
“The cost itself is a challenge, and it's not like something we can brag about. But again, if you want to be first and specifically in a [new] technology, that comes with a high cost,” said Mr Alghafri.
“This is not just an Emsteel agenda, it's a master agenda. It's the collective effort of the government, the regulators, and even the technology providers,” he added.
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Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
