In a pioneering step towards sustainable steel production, thyssenkrupp Steel has commenced construction of the world’s first hydrogen-powered DRI plant. This ambitious project, considered one of the largest industrial initiatives with a carbon reduction approach globally, will significantly reduce carbon emissions and eliminate more than 3.5 million metric tons of CO₂ annually.
This advanced facility, located in Duisburg, Germany, has a production capacity of 2.5 million tons and is planned to be completed by the end of 2026, using MIDREX Flex technology. This plant represents a significant advancement in hydrogen-based steel production processes and provides a solid foundation for carbon-free steel production. thyssenkrupp Steel aims to achieve full carbon-free production by 2045, and this project alone will realize a reduction of more than 30% of the company’s current CO₂ emissions by 2030.
By placing the furnaces immediately adjacent to the DRI plant, the immediate conversion of the produced solid raw materials into molten iron is enabled, which significantly increases the efficiency of the entire process. This design also takes into account the spatial needs and constraints of a complex iron and steel plant, allowing existing infrastructure to be used efficiently.
This project is being executed by the SMS Group based on an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract, which assumes responsibility for all engineering, procurement, and construction phases of the plant. SMS will supply innovative furnace equipment and other auxiliary equipment, including water recycling technologies. Additionally, significant efforts are underway in structural and civil engineering, developing infrastructure to support the plant’s construction.
as it seamlessly integrates into the existing iron and steel plant, allowing all subsequent processing steps from the steel mill to continue without disruption. This integration ensures that customers continue to benefit from the full, high-quality portfolio of products with the superior standards they have come to expect.
This project is considered a major step towards innovative industrial climate change mitigation and positions the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as a key industrial hub for sustainable technologies. In addition to the environmental benefits, this transformation is expected to preserve thousands of high-quality, high-skilled jobs and/or require new qualifications, strengthening a skilled workforce for the future.
thyssenkrupp Steel is also committed to maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with local residents, politicians, and the general public. This engagement is intended to garner community support and provide clear insights into the pioneering efforts underway to decarbonize steel at the Duisburg site.
With European Union approval under state aid regulations and a final funding decision expected in the coming months, this project is poised to receive significant financial support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the German government. As the first project of its kind, this hydrogen-powered DRI plant is expected to serve as a model for future carbon reduction projects in the steel industry across Europe and beyond.
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