Japan steelmakers to invest in Australian mine for stable coal supply

A google search reveals that steel can be made without burning coal. Hydrogen is required in this process, which can be made using green energy. It would be better for Japan's balance of payments, and its air quality, to make steel with locally produced hydrogen from green energy, rather than making it with imported, very dirty coal.

At the turn of this century about 20% of California's electricity was produced by burning coal in the state. Today that percentage is less than 1%, and the last coal burning plant is scheduled to be closed soon. By the end of 2026 we are due to no longer import electricity from other states that is generated in coal powered plants.

On most days, over 50% of California's electricity is produced in plants that do not generate green house gases.

Of the top five economies in the world (USA, China, Germany, Japan, California), Cali's power sector is the least polluting of them all. While Germany's power sector is also reliant on green power for over 50% of their production, they use coal, the dirtiest fuel known to man, for over 30% of their electricity.

In a bid to achieve eco-friendly steelmaking, Nippon Steel will pay about 108 billion yen to acquire a 20 percent interest in the Blackwater coal mine in the state of Queensland

Beautiful oxymoronic statement, actually green options are available, but when the actual priority is economic profit even coal is called "eco-friendly" even when it is nothing of the sort, the "cleanest" coal is still much worse than the other options.

California is blessed with abundant hydroelectric energy because of the Sierra Nevada Range and snow melt. Not all are so blessed. The California government has done a good job for decades now supporting the adoption of solar and NEVs.

I can't think of any steel producers in the state, mind you.

Why on earth would you heavily invest in a power source, fuel that is gradually becoming extinct? It's shear madness, then we get onto the emissions debate, I would like to know what the directors were thinking when they made there decision.

deanzaZZRToday  01:18 am JST

California is blessed with abundant hydroelectric energy because of the Sierra Nevada Range and snow melt. Not all are so blessed. The California government has done a good job for decades now supporting the adoption of solar and NEVs. 

Japan gets plenty of sunlight and snow, especially in Aomori, Gifu and Hokkaido, among other prefectures. I would think geothermal power would be another option.