Abu Dhabi Pioneering Sustainable Construction with Hydrogen-Based Steel
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of a major shift in the global construction industry, pioneering the use of hydrogen-based steel to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its building projects. This landmark initiative is a testament to the emirate’s commitment to industrial decarbonization and its strategic alignment with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The cornerstone of this effort is a groundbreaking partnership between Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developer, Aldar Properties, and the region’s largest steel and building materials manufacturer, EMSTEEL Group. In a regional first, Aldar is utilizing EMSTEEL’s low-emissions hydrogen-based steel rebar for the construction of Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero carbon mosque, located in Sustainable City on Yas Island. This project is a powerful demonstration of how sustainable materials can be integrated into large-scale developments.
The Green Steel Revolution
Hydrogen-based steel, often referred to as “green steel,” is produced using a process that replaces the traditional use of natural gas with renewable hydrogen to extract iron from iron ore. This innovative method has the potential to reduce carbon emissions from steel production by up to 95% compared to conventional processes.5 Given that the steel industry is a major global contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, this technological leap is critical for achieving climate goals.
EMSTEEL’s pioneering role is built on its successful green hydrogen pilot project, launched in partnership with clean energy powerhouse Masdar in October 2024. This facility has already produced 5,000 tonnes of green steel, certified by global standards and validated by Bureau Veritas. The success of the pilot project has paved the way for the broader commercial adoption of hydrogen-based steel in the UAE’s construction sector.
Beyond the Mosque: A Blueprint for the Future
The net-zero mosque project, which aims to achieve LEED Zero Carbon certification, is just the beginning. The partnership between Aldar and EMSTEEL is set to expand the use of this sustainable material across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects. This creates a market demand for low-emission products, stimulating further innovation and investment in the green economy.
The move is also supported by government initiatives like the National In-Country Value (ICV) program, which incentivizes the local production of sustainable materials, and the National Green Certificates Programme, which promotes the use of sustainable building materials. These policies create a favorable ecosystem for companies committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The shift to hydrogen-based steel not only supports the UAE’s environmental goals but also reinforces its economic diversification strategy. It positions the country as a global leader in sustainable manufacturing and a hub for green technology. This pioneering effort demonstrates how a nation can leverage its industrial strengths and strategic partnerships to drive a low-carbon transition, setting a new global standard for sustainable construction.
