Is steel scrap the new gold?

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the steel industry but emphasizes the growing importance of scrap steel as a critical resource in the transition to greener steel production methods. Core Insights - The steel industry is under pressure to decarbonize, with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions by transitioning from traditional blast furnaces to Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) [2][6][9] - The demand for steel is projected to rise, making the decarbonization of steel production essential for achieving sustainability goals [2][5] - The scarcity of clean scrap steel is expected to drive prices higher, highlighting the need for steelmakers to secure sufficient scrap supplies [3][24] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - Steel production accounts for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions, necessitating urgent action to reduce its carbon footprint [4][6] - The European Union aims to cut CO2 emissions from steel production by nearly 25% by 2030, reflecting regulatory pressures on the industry [2][6] Technological Transition - The shift from blast furnaces to DRI and EAF technologies is crucial for reducing emissions, but it requires significant investments and a reliable supply of competitively priced green energy and scrap steel [3][10][12] - EAF technology is mature, while DRI technology is still developing, with no large-scale hydrogen-powered DRI facilities yet operational [14][15] Scrap Steel Market Dynamics - The report highlights the increasing global competition for scrap steel, particularly clean scrap, as demand grows due to the transition to EAFs [5][24] - In Europe, an estimated annual shortage of 9 million tons of scrap is projected by 2030, which will likely increase prices and competition for supplies [24][25] Investment and Economic Considerations - Meeting the EU's 2030 targets requires an estimated €85 billion in investments, with significant reliance on state subsidies to fund new green steel projects [15][16] - The cost of processing scrap steel is competitive compared to DRI processes, making it an economically viable option for steel production [22][24] Strategic Recommendations - Steel producers are encouraged to build ecosystems and circular economies to secure scrap supplies through partnerships and acquisitions [34][35] - Companies should explore global sourcing for cost-effective scrap, particularly from regions like Africa and Latin America, to meet growing demand [34][35]