Green Steel in the Ohio River Valley
A new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute shows how shifting to “green” steelmaking could cut harmful, climate-warming emissions and grow jobs supported by steel by up to 43% in the Ohio River Valley.
Traditional steelmaking is dirty, polluting, and energy-intensive. But green steelmaking uses clean, green hydrogen—created with wind & solar energy—to make steel with nearly zero carbon emissions.
Here’s what green steel could mean for the Ohio River Valley:
Thousands of new jobs.
The Clean Energy Pathway eliminates all coal energy and most natural gas energy in the region by 2050 cutting our power grid’s planet-warming CO2 emissions by 97% and saving nearly $2.7 billion per year in environmental and
health costs.
Lower carbon emissions.
Traditional steelmaking is energy-intensive and creates enormous amounts of climate-warming pollution. Replacing traditional steelmaking with green steel would cut Pennsylvania’s industrial emissions by 4 million metric tons of CO2e.
Better health & quality of life
Emissions from traditional steelmaking can cause asthma and other respiratory problems. Research shows shifting to fossil fuel-free steelmaking would save Pennsylvania $380 million in health, community, and environmental costs as carbon emissions fall.
A thriving Ohio River Valley.
A transition to green steel could help the region become the nation’s first clean industry “hub.” Cutting emissions and creating new jobs would draw new residents to live, work, and spend in the region, further boosting economic activity.
As the global economy looks to lower carbon emissions—thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens, governments, and even corporations—the steel industry has reached a historic crossroads. Federal funding is on the table to kickstart a transition to fossil fuel-free steelmaking.
The time is now to usher in a clean, 21st-century “green” steel industry and secure a better future for our families, our climate, and our economy.
Want to know more?
Download the full Green Steel in the Ohio River Valley report.