Swedish steelmaker SSAB is to call on policymakers to implement common emission measurement rules during the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Kallanish notes.
The company says in a statement there are several promising proposals for establishing a common standard on near zero-emission steel. It is now calling for policymakers to take the next step and enact common emission measurement rules.
“Trade rules also need to focus on the sustainability aspects of the material rather than blanket tariffs,” the company adds.
It says it supports the Steel Standard Principles which were previously launched at COP28.
“SSAB believes that ambition and speed in the climate transition must increase. We need to phase out fossil fuels and it must cost to emit. Global carbon pricing mechanisms and common emission standards are needed to set the foundation for faster industrial decarbonisation,” says Martin Pei, chief technology officer at SSAB.
“Creating internationally accepted trade rules for near zero-emission steel products would allow for significant global CO2 emissions reductions by incentivising the roll-out of clean steel production technologies,” Pei adds.
The firm adds that policymakers should commit to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that provide clarity on the path away from fossil fuels and that enable investments in green technology.
SSAB is seeking to decarbonise its steel production in Sweden via the Hybrit project, which it established with mining company LKAB and energy company Vattenfall to produce fossil-free sponge iron.
Carrie Bone UK
