Revolutionizing Ironmaking: Mitsubishi's New Hydrogen-Based Project
Key Ideas
- Mitsubishi Corporation partners with Primetals Technologies, Rio Tinto, and voestalpine in a demonstration project for hydrogen-based ironmaking in Linz, Austria.
- The project aims to develop a new ironmaking process using HYFOR and Smelter technologies, significantly reducing CO2 emissions in steel production.
- The prototype plant, scheduled to start operations in mid-2027, will produce hot metal and hot briquetted iron with a capacity of 3 tons per hour.
- The investment and operation of the plant are funded by the Austrian federal government and the European Union, highlighting the support for decarbonization efforts.
Mitsubishi Corporation has announced its participation in a groundbreaking demonstration project for the development of a hydrogen-based ironmaking process in Linz, Austria. The project, in partnership with Primetals Technologies, Rio Tinto, and voestalpine, aims to construct an industrial-scale prototype plant utilizing HYFOR and Smelter technologies. This innovative process, set to commence operations in mid-2027, is projected to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in steel production. HYFOR, a direct reduction technology, eliminates the need for agglomeration steps and allows for a diverse range of iron ores as feedstock. The utilization of hydrogen derived from renewable sources further enhances its environmental benefits. The Smelter, powered by renewable energy, will be responsible for the final reduction of direct reduced iron to produce hot metal. With the majority of iron ore supply coming from Rio Tinto, the project underscores a commitment to sustainability. Through this initiative, Mitsubishi Corporation aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the steel industry and support the transition to a more sustainable future.