In a clear demonstration of its commitment to sustainability, Mitsubishi Corporation has announced its participation in a pioneering project in Austria aimed at transforming the steel industry through the use of hydrogen.
Iron manufacturing process with hydrogen
This innovative project is based on a direct iron ore reduction (HYFOR) process and an electric smelter, technologies developed by Primetals Technologies, a strategic partner of Mitsubishi.
The demonstration plant, to be built at voestalpine’s site in Linz, Austria, will be designed to produce hot iron and hot briquetted iron using only hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources . Operations are scheduled to begin in mid-2027 , with a production capacity of 3 tonnes per hour.
A crucial step towards decarbonization
This pioneering process stands out for its ability to utilize iron ore fines, a raw material that typically requires agglomeration in traditional processes. By using hydrogen instead of coal, the HYFOR process promises a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional methods.
Rio Tinto, another project partner, will provide 70% of the necessary iron ore and, together with Primetals Technologies, will seek to accelerate the commercialization of these advanced technologies. This project promises to optimize iron production and set a precedent in the sustainable steel industry.
The project is supported by the Austrian federal government and the European Union, which are funding the plant’s construction through initiatives such as the EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel . With this boost, the European industrial sector is taking a decisive step toward decarbonization , contributing to meeting global climate goals.
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Source: Mitsubishi Corporation
Photo: Shutterstock
