EUROPEAN STEEL TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION DAYS 2017 - ESTAD 2017

Driven by the global megatrend of CO2 reduction and improvement of energy efficiency there is also shift of energy systems ongoing which will also influence the way of steel production in Europe. The EU roadmap for a low carbon economy suggested even a reduction of CO2 emissions of 80% between time period from 2005 to 2050. New CO2 lean iron making technologies like natural-gas based direct reduction plants for production of DRI/HBI utilized for steel making are considered as medium-term possibility for reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 60% of process-related CO2 emissions. Some European steel producers like voestalpine are going to produce HBI at locations with cost-effective availability of natural gas and at the same time reduce process related CO2 emissions by utilization in their own steel works. In order to achieve the targeted EU reduction path in CO2 intensity also the additional or sole use of hydrogen from renewable natural resources for iron & steel making is required on the long-term. Direct reduction is also an ideal, high-efficient and well-proven technology for utilization of hydrogen for DRI/HBI production as basis for steel making preferably on the basis of electric arc furnaces with additional synergy potential like hot transport between DR plant and EAF.