[ INDUSTRY UPDATES ]
Primetals Technologies, Mitsubishi, voestalpine, and Rio Tinto partner on hydrogen-based plant
Primetals Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation, Rio Tinto, and voestalpine have signed a cooperation agreement to fast-track the development of fluidized bed and smelter technologies. The participants will implement and operate an industrial-scale prototype plant featuring a new process for potential net-zero emissions ironmaking at the voestalpine site in Linz, Austria. Startup of the plant is scheduled for mid- 2027.
“ For the first time, we will implement a continuous production process with hydrogen-based direct reduction,” said Alexander
Fleischanderl, chief technology officer and head of green steel at Primetals Technologies.“ The combination of HYFOR and Smelter is a highly innovative development with the potential to transform the industry. We are extremely proud to have the support of strong partners in voestalpine, Rio Tinto, and Mitsubishi Corporation, and together, we are poised to make a big difference to the future of net-zero ironmaking.”
“ With greentec steel, voestalpine has a clear phased plan for steel production with net-zero
CO 2 emissions. In a first step, one green-powered electric arc furnace will be put into operation at each of our sites in Linz and Donawitz starting in 2027. By 2029, we will have reduced our CO 2 emissions by up to 30 percent compared to 2019. Our long-term strategy is to use green hydrogen to achieve carbon-neutral steel production. Together with Primetals Technologies and Rio Tinto, we are taking an entirely new and promising approach to research into hydrogen-based pig iron production,” said Herbert Eibensteiner, CEO of voestalpine AG.
Read full story online
16 Green Steel World | Issue 18 | June 2025