STEP BY STEP TO SUSTAINABLE STEEL PRODUCTION

The transition to steel production with net zero CO2-emissions will not happen overnight. That's why we will be taking smaller steps along the way as we get closer to our ultimate goal: steel production with net zero CO2-emissions by 2050. Our path is clearly marked. And now we will follow it all the way to the end, together with you. 

 

COURAGE FOR CHANGE, PASSION FOR IMPROVEMENT

The green revolution in steel production at our company has a catchy name: greentec steel. 

This is tried and tested voestalpine premium quality with a reduced carbon footprint that makes no compromises in processing and applications. 

Consistent research in recent years and investments worth billions of euros have driven significant changes at voestalpine, and we are now reaping the rewards of our commitment with a modern and sustainable product portfolio.

>> Learn more about greentec steel Edition products

 

EACH STEP TAKES US CLOSER TO OUR GOAL: NET ZERO CO2-EMISSIONS

It's a long road, but even the longest journey begins with a first step. At voestalpine, we have developed a three-step plan that will bring us safely and sustainably to our final goal: steel production with net zero CO2-emissions by 2050. 

 

COAL-BASED BLAST FURNACE ROUTE

Comparison with the industry average shows very clearly that we are a pioneer in the carbon optimization of blast furnace-based steel production, and we have already been very clear about our decarbonization objectives.

 

HYBRID TECHNOLOGY

Our first EAF will be commissioned in 2027. This way, we will have converted a part of our production to the green, power-based electric-arc-furnace production route, with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2029. This is an important milestone that makes us want to dream of even more.

 

HYDROGEN-BASED STEELMAKING

The secret to steelmaking with net zero CO2-emissions is hydrogen production technology, which is why we are investing so much in technological research as part of our effort to ensure a green tomorrow. Our commitment to hydrogen-based production by 2050 goes hand in hand with our contribution to achieving the climate targets and shaping the future of steelmaking. 

 

BRIDGES TO EVEN MORE SUSTAINABLE SHORES

Complete transitions in technology cannot be accomplished overnight. Our intensive research at voestalpine will ultimately lead to our success.

CO2 reduction is possible now, too. In addition to liquid hot metal and scrap, we use HBI or hot-briquetted iron, a type of direct-reducted iron pressed into briquetts. In the DRI process, iron ore is produced with natrual gas rather than coke - and in the future, hydrogen will be used.

We also produce our own green hydrogen in our H2Future plant, of course using electric power that comes exclusively from renewable sources. 

This is how we build one bridge after the other and gradually pave the way to a green future.

 

HIGHEST QUALITY WITH A GREEN ADVANTAGE

Some issues are of no concern, for example, the one that steels produced with reduced CO2 levels are of poorer quality. 

We are completely sure that greentec steel edition products all feature the same excellent properties as our classic steels in terms of strength, weldability and durability. They only have a smaller carbon footprint.

GREEN H2 PRODUCTION: RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS

On our way to steel production with net zero CO2-emissions in the coming years, we will need green hydrogen to be able to make the transition to the green HBI technology. 

Our lighthouse project is named H2Future and is currently the largest system in the world dedicated to the production of industrial hydrogen in the steel industry. Research and the development of industrial-scale production is now in full swing.

 

GREEN HYDROGEN + A GREEN PIONEERING SPIRIT = GREEN STEEL

Green hydrogen is environmentally friendly, efficient and versatile and is the perfect foundation for steelmaking with net zero CO2-emissions. 

A great deal of research work is still required, and we are very happy to accept the challenge. Our SuSteel (Sustainable Steelmaking) project in Donawitz focuses on breakthrough research in the area of hydrogen plasma smelting reduction technology that will replace the existing LD blast furnace route over the long term.

 

ACHIEVEMENT OF MAJOR CLIMATE PROTECTION TARGETS

The international climate and environmental protection targets are a daunting challenge for energy-intensive industries such as steelmaking, but we accept the challenge. We offer our customers the opportunity to achieve a positive ecological footprint by using voestalpine steel products. By further reducing CO2 emissions, greentec steel edition products contribute to a more favorable environmental balance in production without compromising quality.

 

A GREEN PORTFOLIO FULL OF SUSTAINABILITY

We have talked a lot about our challenges, targets and visions for the future, and even a lot more. But the greentec steel edition is no longer a dream. It is a reality: Discover voestalpine premium quality with a reduced carbon footprint in our product portfolio.

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