Blastr Green Steel selects Primetals as technology partner for low CO₂ steel plant

The partnership encompasses a range of crucial components in iron and steel production, including the design of a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant, an electric steelmaking melt shop, an Arvedi ESP line, and a continuous pickling and galvanizing line. Primetals Technologies will develop the up to 100% hydrogen-based DRI plant in collaboration with Midrex Technologies, Inc. (Midrex).

The partnership brings together ‘cutting-edge technologies and expertise of Primetals Technologies and Midrex to develop a sustainable and efficient steel manufacturing process’, Blastr has said.

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable steel production and decarbonizing the steel value chain. By combining our strengths with industry leaders, we are poised to drive innovation and shape the future of steel production," commented Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr Green Steel.

The MIDREX H2TM Plant, powered by up to 100% green hydrogen, will be provided by a consortium of Midrex and Primetals. The plant will produce hot DRI for direct charging to the steel mill, as well as hot briquetted iron (HBI), enabling Blastr to decarbonize other value chains by providing ultra-low-carbon iron feedstock for customers.

“We are pleased and excited by the selection of MIDREX H2 as the DR technology by Blastr,” Midrex president and CEO K.C. Woody said. “The combination of 100% hydrogen-based HDRI and HBI production positions Blastr to be a major force in the decarbonization of European iron and steelmaking.”

Primetals Technologies will also supply an electric arc furnace-based melt shop designed for direct charging of hot DRI and to melt recycled scrap metal with fully automated operation and advanced control system. The technology partner is responsible for the full electrics and automation, including advanced automation systems and solutions for optimized production management.

"The production process will be optimized with digitalization, enhanced use of robot technology, and advanced solutions for remote control to enable the highest possible level of autonomous operations enhancing occupational safety, a top priority for the project," said Andreas Viehboeck, head of upstream technologies at Primetals Technologies.

The partnership also includes an Arvedi ESP thin slab casting and hot rolling line as well as a state-of-the-art continuous pickling and galvanizing line to produce a variety of hot-rolled steel products including coated steel sheets for various industrial applications.