The United States Steel Corporation announced the signing of a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding with Equinor US Holdings, an Equinor ASA affiliate.
The firms will investigate the possibility for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen development in the Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia tri-state region.
Hydrogen-based steelmaking methods and carbon capture and storage (CCS) are two of the more promising and sustainable technologies currently under development.
“The successful development of hydrogen and CCS technology in the tri-state region will require investment, cooperation, and exploration across political and perceived barriers,” said Richard Fruehauf, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer. “As we build momentum toward our ambitious goal targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the opportunity to explore the potential for a hydrogen hub in this region – anchored in the Mon Valley – is cause for optimism.”
The MOU’s objective is to investigate the technology and commercial viability of hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. Natural gas combined with CCS has the potential to drastically reduce carbon emissions, according to industry leaders. The firms intend to investigate and demonstrate the potential for natural gas to help accomplish decarbonization goals when combined with CCS.
The MOU’s area of action includes assessing regional hydrogen and carbon capture and storage possibilities, conducting suitable customer and supplier screens, advocating for blue hydrogen, CCS, and analyzing renewable energy synergies.
