[ 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.
production to close the availability gap in RES generation. In this case, appropriate green power certification is necessary, limiting green hydrogen production.
Off-grid projects require electrolyzer technologies with high operational flexibility to utilize intermittent renewable power. Integrating BESS( 2) into the energy system – from green power generation to the DRI furnace – is essential to optimize capital and 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.
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 21 | April 2025 25