German steel producer Dillinger and its subsidiary ROGESA have signed contracts with Primetals Technologies for the supply of a new steel production complex as part of their efforts to decarbonize operations. The project, a key element of the companies' long-term green steel transformation strategy, includes the construction of a direct reduction iron (DRI) plant in partnership with Midrex Technologies, and an electric arc furnace (EAF) Ultimate plant, with a combined annual capacity of 2 million tons of steel.
The new facilities are designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, helping Dillinger and ROGESA to achieve a targeted reduction of 4.8 million tons of CO2 annually over the next six years. This project marks a substantial step in replacing the companies’ traditional blast furnace-based production route with cleaner, more sustainable technologies.
The DRI plant, built in collaboration with Midrex Technologies, will initially operate using a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen, offering a carbon reduction of over 50% compared to conventional blast furnace methods. The plant will be equipped to transition to 100% hydrogen as energy supply evolves, positioning Dillinger and ROGESA for greater decarbonization over time.
In addition to the DRI plant, the new production complex will feature the EAF Ultimate, Primetals Technologies' latest development in electric steelmaking. This fully automated plant will enhance efficiency, safety, and flexibility, allowing Dillinger and ROGESA to produce a variety of steel grades while further reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Primetals Technologies will supply a range of advanced digitalization and automation solutions to support the operation of the new facilities. These include predictive maintenance systems, virtual plant solutions for operator training, and artificial intelligence-based sensors for automated scrap yard management. These technologies are expected to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs while supporting the companies' transition to greener production methods.
This project is part of the SHS Group’s broader "Power4Steel" program, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The SHS Group, which includes Dillinger and ROGESA, has secured financial support from both the German government and the state of Saarland for its green steel initiatives, with approval from the European Union. The group's steel products are used in various demanding applications, from high-speed train tracks to iconic buildings like London’s tallest skyscraper, Twentytwo.
Primetals Technologies, a leader in decarbonization technologies for the steel industry, is also involved in similar projects across Europe, including collaborations with companies such as voestalpine in Austria and Salzgitter in Germany.
Source and Photo: Primetals
