A significant step towards climate-neutral steel production has been achieved: The engineering phase for the construction of a direct reduction pilot plant has been successfully completed, including the safety-related HAZOP analysis. The manufacturing of key components has already been commissioned—an essential milestone that keeps the project on track despite challenging circumstances.
With this progress, the groundwork has been laid to actively support industrial climate-neutral steel production in Duisburg. Complemented by the NRW state-funded research project "DRI-Einschmelzer," the pilot plant will model the future of steel production by combining direct reduction and smelting technologies. The goal is to address crucial technical questions related to the safe and efficient operation of large-scale industrial plants.
Reallabor H2Stahl: Hydrogen as the Key to Decarbonization
At the same time, the BFI-coordinated Reallabor H2Stahl is testing the use of hydrogen in the industrial blast furnace process. By partially replacing carbon as a reducing agent, the project aims to achieve a CO₂ reduction of approximately 20% in blast furnace operations. To ensure the necessary hydrogen supply, a dedicated pipeline infrastructure is being expanded on-site.
Collaborative Research Efforts for a Green Future
The research project is being carried out in close collaboration between the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut (BFI) and thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG. The technical development and construction of the facility are being handled by TS Elino GmbH.
A special thanks goes to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action for funding this groundbreaking project, which is paving the way for the transformation of the German steel industry.
