Task structure
Subtasks
An integrated analytical framework linking technology readiness, supply-chain feasibility and global transformation pathways for hydrogen-based iron and steelmaking.
Task 52 is organised into three interlinked Subtasks, each led by coordinating institutions to ensure coherence and complementarity. Together, they provide an integrated analytical framework that links technology readiness, supply-chain feasibility, and global transformation pathways for hydrogen-based iron and steelmaking.
Technology Assessment and Readiness
Lead
- Prof Aidong Yang University of Oxford (UK)
A comprehensive review and synthesis of current and emerging hydrogen-based iron and steelmaking technologies, benchmarking direct reduction, hybrid smelting and electrolytic concepts.
Focus
- Catalogue hydrogen-based ironmaking technologies (H₂-DRI, hybrid smelting, electrolytic concepts)
- Evaluate technology readiness using the IEA 11-point TRL framework
- Review capital and operating costs, energy efficiency and emissions performance
- Track demonstration and pilot projects through a consolidated database
- Identify technical barriers, scale-up considerations and innovation priorities
Outputs from Subtask A feed directly into supply-chain assessments in Subtask B and scenario analysis in Subtask C.
Interactive concept
Hydrogen ironmaking route atlas
A comparative schematic of hydrogen-enabled routes from ore feed to steelmaking — hover (or tap) a route to highlight its feed-grade envelope, mechanism and evidence. Indicative feed-grade references, not acceptance limits.
Resources, Supply Chains and Infrastructure
Leads
- Dr Changlong Wang Monash University (Australia)
- A/Prof Stuart Walsh Monash University (Australia)
An examination of iron ore quality, logistics, infrastructure and supply-chain requirements for large-scale deployment and international trade of hydrogen-derived DRI, HBI and steel.
Focus
- Map iron ore quality, technology compatibility, renewable energy and hydrogen supply chains to assess future DRI, HBI and green steel trade
- Assess port and industrial infrastructure for DRI/HBI shipment and onshore processing
- Compare energy carriers (liquid hydrogen, ammonia, DRI and HBI) and supply-chain trade-offs
- Conduct regional case studies of supply-chain feasibility and cost competitiveness
- Identify bottlenecks, enabling conditions and infrastructure investment priorities
- Examine vertically integrated hydrogen–DRI–steel hubs vs disaggregated configurations
Subtask B develops the spatial and logistical context required for global pathway analysis in Subtask C.
Interactive concept
Iron ore trade today
An indicative view of today’s seaborne iron-ore flows and the green-hydrogen route each feedstock unlocks — hover the legends to cross-highlight. Illustrative concept, not sourced data.
Global Transformation Pathways, Competitiveness and Power Systems
Leads
- Prof Falko Ueckerdt Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria and PIK Potsdam (Germany)
- Dr Wolf-Peter Schill DIW Berlin (Germany)
An assessment of global and national transformation pathways for hydrogen-based steelmaking, including competitiveness considerations and interactions with power and hydrogen systems.
Focus
- Review scenario modelling studies of future steel system transformation
- Analyse competitiveness of alternative production routes under different policy and cost conditions
- Evaluate evolving production and trade patterns for green steel, DRI and HBI
- Assess system-integration impacts of large-scale hydrogen demand on electricity networks
- Identify policy measures and cooperation mechanisms that support deployment
Subtask C integrates technology and supply-chain inputs into global pathway and power-system analysis.
Interactive concept
Hydrogen steel, between pathways and power systems
A descriptive concept map of hydrogen-based steel — its determinants, the two Subtask C research lenses (transformation pathways and power systems), and cross-links to Subtasks A and B. Hover any node to trace its connections.
Task Linkage and Exchange
Lead
- Prof Max Åhman Lund University (Sweden)
A cross-cutting activity that supports coordination and exchange across Subtasks A, B and C, connecting technology assessment, supply-chain analysis and global pathway modelling through a coherent Task-level framework.
Focus
- Facilitate exchange between Subtask teams
- Support synthesis of findings across technology, supply chains and global pathways
- Identify cross-cutting policy, market and cooperation issues
- Support workshops, expert dialogues and stakeholder engagement
Strengthens the link between technical analysis, policy relevance and international collaboration.
Interactive concept
Linkage & exchange across Subtasks
How the three Subtasks exchange data, constraints and insights around the Task 52 core — hover a Subtask to isolate its exchanges, or a flow to see what passes between them.
Explore who delivers this work
Meet the coordinating institutions and partners behind each Subtask, and see how their analysis informs the Task 52 work programme.