The time has come in 2027. As part of the decarbonization of our steel production toward greentec steel, a blast furnace in Donawitz will be replaced by an electric arc furnace (EAF).
greentec steel is our ambitious roadmap for green steel production. We have already made massive investments in environmental and climate protection over the past decades. By 2050, we aim to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions in our steel production. The first step toward this goal is converting the current blast furnace route in Linz and Donawitz to a hybrid electric steelmaking route using electric arc furnaces. In addition, we are researching other new processes; in Donawitz, for example, as part of the SuSteel project, we are working on steel production with net-zero CO2 emissions through the direct reduction of ores using hydrogen.
This first step in transforming the site into a hybrid steelworks that combines electric arc furnace and blast furnace processes will make a significant contribution to achieving global climate goals. Together with the planned EAF in Linz, the EAF in Donawitz will reduce our current CO2 emissions by 30% by 2029 compared to 2019. This corresponds to a reduction of up to four million tons of CO2 per year, which is nearly 5% of Austria’s CO2 emissions. From 2023 onward, another blast furnace is to be replaced by an EAF.
Compared to the current two-stage blast furnace process, in which the liquid pig iron produced in the blast furnace is processed into crude steel in a subsequent step at the steelworks, crude steel can be produced in the EAF using green electricity in a single process step.
Steel is produced in an EAF using electricity at a temperature of around 1,500 degrees Celsius and an electrical power input of well over 100 MW, which is equivalent to the generating capacity of an average Danube hydroelectric power plant. Currently, part of the electricity demand is met by utilizing blast furnace and steel mill gases, as well as by hydroelectric power plants. With the replacement of the blast furnace, these industrial gases will be replaced by green electricity. Until the implementation and completion of the EAF project in 2027, there is therefore much work to be done to ensure energy supply from renewable sources.
To ensure we can meet the future increase in demand for green electricity, we are taking active steps to further tap into our renewable energy potential. For example, we will expand our photovoltaic systems. In addition, we are working with regional partners to develop wind turbines, hydroelectric power plants, and additional PV systems, and have already signed supply agreements with nearby wind and hydroelectric power plants. The availability of green electricity at competitive prices is an essential prerequisite for the transformation of our steel production. The planned projects to expand renewable energy in the region make a significant contribution.
As part of our “greentec steel” initiative, we provide an overview of the concrete steps we are taking toward environmentally sustainable steel production in the long term, as well as the innovative processes we are employing to achieve this. We provide information on the challenges we face and the groundbreaking technologies we are already researching today to achieve our goal of CO2-neutral steel production by 2050. Funded by the BMK’s environmental support program.
Die voestalpine ist ein weltweit führender Stahl- und Technologiekonzern mit kombinierter Werkstoff- und Verarbeitungskompetenz. Die global tätige Unternehmensgruppe verfügt über rund 500 Konzerngesellschaften und -standorte in mehr als 50 Ländern auf allen fünf Kontinenten. Sie notiert seit 1995 an der Wiener Börse. Mit ihren Premium-Produkt- und Systemlösungen zählt sie zu den führenden Partnern der Automobil- und Hausgeräteindustrie sowie der Luftfahrt- und Öl- & Gasindustrie und ist darüber hinaus Weltmarktführer bei Bahninfrastruktursystemen, bei Werkzeugstahl und Spezialprofilen. Die voestalpine bekennt sich zu den globalen Klimazielen und verfolgt mit greentec steel einen klaren Plan zur Dekarbonisierung der Stahlproduktion.