Thyssenkrupp Builds Test Plant for CO2-free Steel

In Duisburg, thyssenkrupp has started to build a large plant for more climate-friendly steel production. Prior to this, several processes are to be researched in a smaller pilot plant.

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Research into more climate-friendly steel production using hydrogen is soon to start on the premises of steel manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Steel in Duisburg. Germany's largest steel group has announced that a 40-metre-high test facility will be built for this purpose. The project is intended to advance research into the direct reduction of iron ore. Thyssenkrupp intends to incorporate the research results into the construction of its first direct reduction plant on an industrial scale. For comparison: this will reach a height of 140 meters. 

Several direct reduction processes are to be researched in the test plant. Reduction gases such as hydrogen, natural gas and mixed gases produced during steel production will be used. Various input materials such as pellets or lump ore will also be used. The test plant should be able to produce 100 kg of directly reduced iron per hour. Among other things, the experts hope to gain insights into CO2 savings, product quality and plant safety. 

Test Plant 2026, Commercial Plant Ready 2027

The test facility costs ten million euros. It is part of the H2Stahl project funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics. The plant is operated by the Industrial Research Institute of the German Iron and Steel Association (VDEh). It is scheduled to go into operation at the beginning of 2026. It is being built by a plant manufacturer from Düren.

Thyssenkrupp plans to commission the new industrial-scale direct reduction plant, which will cost billions, in 2027. It will initially run on natural gas. Construction has already begun. According to earlier information, the first use of hydrogen is planned for 2028 and the ramp-up to full hydrogen operation should be completed in 2029.

This is a partly automated translation of this german article by dpa.