HY4SMELT: From the groundbreaking ceremony to progress that moves

One year after the groundbreaking ceremony, HY4SMELT in Linz is visibly taking shape. The research project will establish the world’s first demonstration plant combining the hydrogen-based direct reduction of ultrafine iron ores with an electric melting process. The goal is to investigate new technologies for climate-neutral steel production and to gain important insights for future industrial applications.

Smelter-Areal

Construction is progressing on schedule

Since construction started in September 2025, key milestones have been reached. The smelter hall, the grinding mill and drying plant, as well as the foundation for the HYFOR tower have already been built. The hydrogen pipe to the adjacent H2FUTURE plant has also been completed and will supply the demonstration plant in future.

Next steps en route to commissioning

‌In autumn 2026, the next major step will be the delivery of the plant’s core components, including the smelter furnace and the HYFOR reactors. This is where iron ore, with the help of innovative fluidised bed technology and hydrogen, will be processed to form the intermediate product, direct reduced iron (DRI). Work will then begin on the outdoor facilities.

In autumn 2026, the next major step will be the delivery of the plant’s core components, including the smelter furnace and the HYFOR reactors. This is where iron ore, with the help of innovative fluidised bed technology and hydrogen, will be processed to form the intermediate product, direct reduced iron (DRI). Work will then begin on the outdoor facilities.

HY4SMELT is a joint research project of voestalpine, Primetals Technologies and Rio Tinto. The close collaboration of the project partners pools competencies along the whole value chain and creates the basis for innovative solutions on the way to low CO₂ steel production.