The partnership between Danieli Group and Salzgitter Flachstahl aims to achieve long-term industry decarbonization and establish a foundation for a more environmentally friendly steel production.
Salzgitter Flachstahl’s transition to electric steelmaking supported by Danieli Group
Danieli Group expressed immense pride in partnering with Salzgitter Flachstahl for their ambitious project aimed at spearheading decarbonization in the steel industry. The adoption of the Energiron DR technology, developed by Tenova and Danieli by Salzgitter Flachstahl for its upcoming plant in Germany is a strategic decision of great significance. Situated at Salzgitter’s renowned facility in Lower Saxony, known for its production of high-quality flat products, this hydrogen-ready plant signifies Salzgitter’s transition from traditional ironmaking to electric steelmaking, with a remarkable target of achieving a 95% reduction in carbon emissions. With an impressive capacity of 2.1 million tons per year, the advanced Energiron DR plant will generate top-notch direct reduced iron (DRI) to be utilized in the production of exceptional hot-strip coils through a newly established electric steel meltshop. This comprehensive order also includes the innovative Hytemp® system, enabling the pneumatic transport and hot charging of DRI into the electric arc furnace (EAF) at temperatures reaching up to 600°C, further enhancing operational flexibility. “To be beside Salzgitter Flachstahl in this outstanding project that will be a lighthouse for the steel industry decarbonization”, said Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, CEO of Danieli Group.
Danieli Group’s Energiron technology opens green steel era for Salzgitter Flachstahl
The use of Energiron technology, jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli Group, marks a definitive stride toward a green steel era, offering the ability to incorporate varying amounts of hydrogen, up to 100%, as an alternative reducing agent. This transformative technology promises a significant reduction in the carbon footprint without necessitating modifications to the existing plant configuration, which is already mature and well-established. The hybrid design of the Energiron technology allows for the utilization of natural gas as a reducing agent, facilitating the controlled supply of the minimum required carbon during the DR process. This technology also enables the capture and utilization of CO2, not only further reducing the plant’s carbon emissions but also generating an additional revenue stream for the facility’s operations. The launch of the new Energiron DRI plant is scheduled for July 2026, representing a significant milestone in advancing hard-to-abate industry decarbonization efforts in Europe. As part of the project’s ambitious plan, a second Energiron DRP will be installed at the same Salzgitter site in a subsequent phase, showcasing the commitment to long-term sustainable steel production.
