Full Steam Ahead for greentec steel

Sustainable energy supply and use are central components of our greentec steel program. This includes the power plant unit scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. The capacity of its generators will support the energy-related changes associated with the commissioning of the electric arc furnace (EAF) next year.

This significant step will bring about a number of changes next year. As we move toward a new era of steel production, we are implementing numerous measures, including alternative forms of energy. Until now, the generators used for the plant’s own electricity production have been powered by the combustion of blast furnace gas. When our new EAF replaces Blast Furnace 5 in 2027, less blast furnace gas will be available; however, due to the new technology, a large amount of steam from the cooling processes will be generated. That is why we will use it extensively for power generation in the future.

Since the summer of 2026, the facilities of this new power plant unit have been integrated into the steel mill’s operations. After four years of intensive work, they were officially handed over. The project team was pleased to have stayed on schedule and within budget. “Thanks to nearly flawless organizational planning, we were able to complete this project on time and, happily, without any major hiccups,” confirms Project Manager Christian R. Until the EAF for greentec steel begins operation, the new power plant unit is in the so-called hot commissioning phase, which includes final performance tests.

To achieve this, the equipment must once again demonstrate that it is up to the task. During the turbine test, for example, the new unit was run at full load:

• Starting in 2022: Clearing the construction site; the old unit makes way for the new building
• Groundbreaking on January 22, 2024
• 2024: Construction of the new 120-meter stack
• April 2026: Plant testing
• Summer 2026: Handover of the new power plant unit