Turkey is among the prominent countries in the transportation of hydrogen, which Europe needs in steel production, through pipelines.
It is important for the environment that the energy needed in heavy industry is met from hydrogen instead of fossil fuels.
According to the report titled “Steel from Solar Energy” prepared as part of the Intersolar European Solar Energy Conference and Fair, it is aimed that European countries move away from fossil fuel energy sources to be used in heavy industries and reach much cleaner sources.
The European Union (EU) aims to produce 5.6 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030, within the scope of the “Fit for 55” agreement, in which it undertakes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent.
1.2 billion euros are needed for electrolysis investments
According to the report, steel production is one of the energy-intensive sectors in EU countries. An electrolysis capacity of 1.2 to 1.3 gigawatts is needed to produce 4 megatons of crude steel annually using clean energy and hydrogen. This size requires a capital investment of 3.3 billion euros. Electrolysis investments constitute 1.2 billion euros of this investment.
Pipelines alternative in hydrogen import
European countries consider the transportation of hydrogen needed in heavy industry, especially hydrogen to be used in steel production through pipelines due to high electrolysis costs, among alternatives.
According to the report by AA, hydrogen production is calculated as 1.5 euros per kilogram in the “adjusted scenario” in which energy prices are considered at a minimum, and 3 euros per kilogram under the “high price scenario”.
Turkey is among the countries that can import
Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Africa region, Norway and Ukraine regions come to the fore among the countries it can import from. On the other hand, there are renewable energy sources required for hydrogen production in 7 regions of Turkey. In addition, when compared to other regions, Turkey is in an advantageous position in terms of land and pipeline connections. For these reasons, Turkey stands out among other options.
