� GREEN DRI �
Fig. 1. Building blocks of an energy and production system based green generation( 1) and fossil, thermal generation( 1a) in a grid-connected environment. An optional appropriate energy storage system is considered in the hydrogen production system( 2). A buffer system( 3) should be added to ensure an uninterrupted hydrogen supply to the conditioner feeding the hydrogen into the DRI furnace at the required temperature and pressure. The systems are shown for both on-grid( left) and off-grid( right) situations.
operational expenditures and reduce the price per kilogram of hydrogen produced. Hydrogen must be delivered to the DRI site and conditioned to the required temperature and pressure levels( 4).
For off-grid projects, all power must come from RES, considering the demand of arc furnaces and other steel plant equipment( 4) or other off-grid operations. The sizing of BESS or other systems( 2) must account for this demand, prioritizing operations during power shortages. Hydrogen storage( 3) during excess RES periods may be necessary to ensure this prioritized operation.
The system must reliably produce and deliver the required hydrogen over several years. To achieve this, the above-mentioned energy system’ s building blocks can be considered independently or as one integrated system to find the best operational and financial configuration. The following section will discuss the boundary conditions and options.
34 Green Steel World | Issue 18 | June 2025