Kobe Steel Group, known as Kobelco, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey towards greener and more sustainable steel production. The company has initiated a demonstration test of a hybrid-type hydrogen gas supply system at its Takasago Works in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

The centerpiece of this initiative is a hydrogen co-firing test conducted at the steel mill. In this experiment, a gas mix containing 5-20% hydrogen was co-fired in a test boiler. This test signifies a significant step forward in integrating hydrogen as a key component in the steel production process.

Steel manufacturing is traditionally associated with high levels of carbon emissions due to the reliance on coal and coke in the production process. The introduction of hydrogen into this sector holds the promise of drastically reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

The hybrid-type hydrogen gas supply system being tested by Kobelco represents an innovative approach to transitioning steel production to a more sustainable model. Here’s a closer look at the key aspects of this groundbreaking endeavor:

The primary goal of Kobelco’s demonstration test is to assess the feasibility and benefits of incorporating hydrogen into the steelmaking process. By gradually increasing the hydrogen share in the gas mix, the company aims to determine the optimal ratio that balances environmental benefits with practicality.

The heart of this initiative lies in the development of a hybrid-type hydrogen gas supply system. This system is designed to seamlessly integrate hydrogen into the steel production process, ensuring a smooth transition without compromising on efficiency and quality. The co-firing test is a critical step in refining this technology.