JFE Steel manufactured Japan’s maiden green hydrogen direct reduced iron prototype at Chiba. The pilot plant produced one metric ton over three days using hydrogen from Yamanashi’s 1.5 MW electrolyser. This NEDO-funded consortium achievement targets 2050 carbon neutrality. The steel sector contributes 14% of Japan’s emissions. Global steel production accounts for 7-9% of greenhouse gases. Hydrogen can eliminate over 90% of coal-based emissions.