In a significant leap towards decarbonization and sustainability, SARRALLE, in collaboration with Nippon Gases, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the steel manufacturing industry.
At ArcelorMittal’s plant in Sestao, Spain, the world’s first ladle preheating station capable of running entirely on green hydrogen has been put into operation, marking a crucial step towards zero carbon emissions in the steel production process.
With a growing emphasis on combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the development of green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, has emerged as a promising solution. Green hydrogen has become a strategic investment at the European level, offering a pathway to sustainable decarbonization. At the forefront of this transition is the ladle preheating station installed at ArcelorMittal Sestao, which utilizes 100% green hydrogen as fuel, effectively eliminating CO2 emissions during the ladle preheating process.
The collaboration between SARRALLE, ArcelorMittal, and Nippon Gases has been instrumental in realizing this milestone. The project’s goal was twofold: to enhance the operation of the existing ladle preheater and to replace natural gas with green hydrogen as fuel, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The use of oxycombustion burner technology has also led to a near-zero emission of NOx, showcasing the station’s comprehensive approach to reducing environmental impact.
Efficient and Sustainable Heating with Green Hydrogen
The new hydrogen-oxygen combustion system has successfully replicated the conventional natural gas ladle preheating ramps. The system’s efficient heating capabilities have allowed for faster and more homogeneous heating of the refractory, ensuring the required temperatures for ladle casting are achieved. Importantly, the green hydrogen-based heating process exhibits better fuel efficiencies compared to standard natural gas and air combustion.
The successful deployment of the green hydrogen ladle preheating station aligns with ArcelorMittal Sestao’s ambitious objective to achieve zero carbon emissions throughout its production process by 2025. By integrating state-of-the-art technology and innovative heating solutions, the steel mill is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable steel production.
The supply of green hydrogen used in the ladle preheating station is sourced from Nippon Gases’ plant in Hernani, Spain. As a fuel derived from renewable energy, green hydrogen holds the promise of a cleaner and more sustainable future for energy-intensive industries like steel manufacturing. Its widespread adoption can revolutionize various sectors, leading the way towards a greener and carbon-neutral economy.
