ANDRITZ Partners with Salzgitter for CO2-Free Steel Production Using Hydrogen

The Salzgitter Group, a key player in the steel industry, has partnered with technology group ANDRITZ to make a significant leap towards virtually CO₂-free steel production. ANDRITZ will construct a 100 MW green hydrogen plant as part of the SALCOS® program, becoming one of Europe’s largest hydrogen facilities.

The SALCOS® program’s primary objective is to revolutionize steel production by reducing its carbon footprint to nearly zero. Central to this vision is the production of green steel, a process heavily reliant on green hydrogen.

ANDRITZ’s 100 MW electrolysis plant, slated for construction at the Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH site, will be a cornerstone of this transformation. The project, employing pressurized alkaline electrolyzer technology from HydrogenPro, is set to commence operations in 2026. It will generate approximately 9,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, which will then be utilized in green steel production.

Ulrich Grethe, Chairman of the Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH Management Board, emphasizes the importance of rapid integration into the emerging hydrogen infrastructure. He sees it as vital to fully unlocking SALCOS®’s potential and calls upon policymakers to expedite hydrogen infrastructure development.

Domenico Iacovelli, ANDRITZ GROUP Executive Board Member, expresses pride in being chosen as a partner in this endeavor. The compact design of ANDRITZ’s green hydrogen plant aligns seamlessly with existing infrastructure, facilitating the transition to sustainable steel production.

This venture leverages ANDRITZ’s extensive experience in executing large-scale projects, setting a solid foundation for innovative initiatives like this one. Additionally, the pressurized electrolyzer stacks from HydrogenPro are well-suited for industrial-scale applications.

The SALCOS® program is envisioned in three stages, with the first phase operational by 2026. It will feature a direct reduction plant, an electric arc furnace (both previously ordered), and the 100 MW electrolysis plant for green hydrogen production. The complete transition to virtually CO₂-free steel production at the Salzgitter site is scheduled for completion by the end of 2033, exceeding statutory requirements.

The first stage of SALCOS®’s financing has been secured through a combination of subsidies from the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Lower Saxony, and substantial funds from Salzgitter AG.

This ambitious project not only sets an example for sustainable steel production but also underscores the increasing role of green hydrogen in heavy industry. As efforts to combat climate change intensify, collaborations like the one between Salzgitter and ANDRITZ pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.