Sasol and ArcelorMittal announce a partnership to develop carbon capture technology. The two partners want to produce fuels, sustainable chemicals and steel via renewable hydrogen in South Africa.
A net zero target
Sasol and ArcelorMittal announce to start a study on renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. Thus, the study will assess the potential of the Saldanha region as an export center for renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. The second phase will use renewable electricity and hydrogen to convert the captured carbon into fuels.
Priscillah Mabelane, executive vice president of Sasol’s Energy Division, says:
“We are very pleased to lead the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for these two potential projects that promise to make South Africa a global player in renewable hydrogen and derivatives. These studies are based on local needs for renewable hydrogen and sustainable products. This reinforces Sasol’s role as a key contributor to the development of the renewable hydrogen economy in South Africa.”
In South Africa, Sasol and ArcelorMittal have the ambition to reach zero net carbon emissions by 2050. Also, these initiatives could allow ArcelorMittal to become the first green flat steel producer using renewable hydrogen. The Saldanha plant would then produce direct reduction iron via the Midrex facility.
An industrial partnership
The Vaal Triangle in South Africa is home to fossil fuel based industrial activities. The goal is to transform the assets of these farms into sustainable operations. For example, ArcelorMittal’s Vanderbijlpark plant is exploring the technology of capturing nearly 1.5 million tons of industrial CO2 per year.
Renewablehydrogen could replace natural gas for the manufacture of sustainable chemicals. Sasol and ArcelorMittal are promoting the re-industrialization of the Saldanha and Vaal regions by generating jobs and investments. Finally, this partnership will play an important role in the renewable hydrogen economy.
