ClimateCEO

Tata Steel is pursuing different decarbonisation pathways in Europe and India to reflect regional differences in energy costs, regulation, raw material availability, and steel demand. In Europe, the company is moving towards electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and greater use of recycled scrap, supported by government funding and stricter carbon regulations. In India, where steel demand and production capacity continue to grow, the strategy emphasises incremental emissions reductions through gas-based direct reduced iron (DRI), hydrogen injection trials in blast furnaces, and improved scrap recycling infrastructure. The example demonstrates why industrial decarbonisation requires region-specific investment decisions rather than a single global technology pathway.

ZF's commercial vehicle decarbonisation strategy focuses on reducing emissions from trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles through a combination of electrification, efficient powertrain technologies, and alternative propulsion systems. The transition requires coordinated development of battery-electric drivetrains, hydrogen-based solutions where appropriate, energy-efficient vehicle components, and supporting charging or refuelling infrastructure. For fleet operators and manufacturers, the key strategic considerations include total cost of ownership, regulatory compliance, vehicle performance, infrastructure availability, and the suitability of different technologies for specific duty cycles. The approach highlights the importance of combining technological innovation with commercially viable deployment pathways.

South Korea has launched its Korean Green Transformation (K-GX) Strategy, aiming to mobilise approximately 1,000 trillion won ($747 billion) over ten years to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions. The strategy prioritises industrial decarbonisation in sectors such as steel, petrochemicals, refining, cement, and semiconductors, alongside renewable energy expansion, grid modernisation, and clean mobility. Its financing framework combines direct government investment, state-backed climate finance, and private-sector capital. The initiative highlights how governments can use large-scale financing, regulatory incentives, and industrial policy to accelerate decarbonisation while maintaining international competitiveness.

This analysis critically examines Japan's growing reliance on hydrogen as part of its energy transition and questions whether the country's policy direction will deliver meaningful emissions reductions. It explores the potential trade-offs associated with hydrogen infrastructure, imported fuels, and hydrogen-based power generation compared with direct electrification and the expansion of renewable energy. The article provides a counterpoint to Japan's energy-security-led hydrogen strategy, highlighting the importance of evaluating lifecycle emissions, conversion efficiency, infrastructure costs, and alternative decarbonisation pathways before committing large amounts of public and private capital.

China has outlined an ambitious target to establish green hydrogen production capacity of two million tonnes per year by 2030 under its new national energy strategy. The plan covers multiple elements of the hydrogen value chain and signals the country's intention to scale domestic production, strengthen industrial capabilities, and expand hydrogen-related infrastructure. For global energy companies, the strategy highlights the potential for accelerated deployment, growing demand for electrolysers and associated technologies, and intensifying competition in clean hydrogen manufacturing. It also raises important questions about project execution, renewable electricity availability, infrastructure development, and the commercial demand needed to sustain large-scale production.

Morocco is advancing its ambitions to become a major green hydrogen and green ammonia producer, with ORNX progressing a planned ammonia facility in Laayoune into the preliminary front-end engineering and design stage. The proposed plant is expected to produce up to 560,000 tonnes of ammonia annually, with engineering studies assessing renewable power supply, electrolyser configuration, technology selection, and commercial feasibility. The project illustrates how Africa's renewable energy resources could support export-oriented hydrogen industries, attract international engineering and technology partners, and create new industrial value chains. The next critical milestones include detailed engineering, financing, offtake arrangements, and a final investment decision.

Japan's hydrogen strategy extends beyond decarbonisation to address energy security, supply-chain resilience, industrial competitiveness, and long-term access to reliable energy. The country is investing across the hydrogen value chain, including production, international transportation, storage, power generation, and industrial applications. Its approach combines hydrogen with ammonia, synthetic fuels, natural gas, and nuclear power as part of a diversified energy portfolio. The article highlights how government incentives, international partnerships, and strategic infrastructure investments can help manage technology risks and strengthen national energy resilience.

Singapore is positioning hydrogen as a strategic component of its long-term energy transition by bringing together local energy companies, international technology providers, and government support. Companies including Keppel and Sembcorp are exploring hydrogen-compatible power generation, ammonia supply chains, and hydrogen transportation infrastructure. The article highlights opportunities for cross-border investment, regional clean-energy partnerships, technology development, and the establishment of a hydrogen supply chain across Southeast Asia, while recognising challenges related to cost, infrastructure, safety, and dependence on imports.

Europe's green hydrogen industry faces growing competitive pressure from Chinese manufacturers amid high energy costs, project cancellations, and delays in scaling domestic production. Industry executives are urging the European Union to consider “Made in Europe” requirements for publicly funded electrolyser procurement to strengthen local manufacturing and supply-chain resilience. The article highlights the strategic trade-offs between cost competitiveness, industrial policy, domestic technology development, and dependence on imported clean-energy equipment.