The new process is based on Primetals Technologies’ HYFOR technology, which enables the direct reduction of iron ore fines without the need for agglomeration, and the Smelter furnace powered by renewable energy. The goal is to produce three tons of hot metal per hour using this method.
voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner stated that the company has a clear plan for achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions in steel production. Starting in 2027, green-powered electric arc furnaces will be commissioned at both the Linz and Donawitz sites. By 2029, voestalpine aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 30% compared to 2019. The company is taking a major step by cooperating with Primetals Technologies and Rio Tinto in research on hydrogen-based iron production.
Rio Tinto will supply 70% of the iron ore required for the new plant from its global operations. The company will also contribute to the development and commercialization of the technology.
Primetals CTO Alexander Fleischanderl emphasized that the combination of HYFOR and Smelter technologies could revolutionize steel production, while voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner highlighted that the project aligns with their 2029 target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30%. The project is supported by various Austrian government programs and European Union initiatives. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral future in steelmaking.
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