Pittsburgh-based United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) has signed an agreement with Equinor US Holdings, Inc. to study the potential for carbon capture and storage and hydrogen development in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Hydrogen based steel processes 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,” Richard Fruehauf, senior vice president, chief strategy & sustainability officer at US Steel, said. “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 focus of the memorandum of understanding is to assess the technological and commercial possibilities for hydrogen and CCS. The two companies plan to explore and demonstrate the potential opportunities for natural gas when coupled with CCS to achieve decarbonization goals. The scope of work includes assessments of regional hydrogen and CCS potential, appropriate customer and supplier screenings, blue hydrogen advocacy, CCS, and examining renewable energy synergies.
US Steel is a leading steel producer, serving the automotive, construction, appliance, energy, containers, and packaging industries. Equinor US Holdings is an affiliate of Equinor ASA.