The cornerstone has been laid for one of the largest green hydrogen production plants in Europe.
Starting from 2026, the plant at the Salzgitter Flachstahl site in Germany will generate around 9000 tons of green hydrogen a year to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel.
This will mark the start of the industrial use of hydrogen in Salzgitter’s SALCOS programme.
SALCOS, which stands for Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking, is aiming for virtually carbon-free steel production.
The 100MW electrolysis plant will be supplied on an EPC basis by the international technology company Andritz, using the pressurised alkaline electrolysis technology of HydrogenPro.
Gerd Baresch, managing director for the technical division of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH (SFZG), said the laying of the cornerstone represented a “major step” in the SALCOS programme.
He added: “This shows that the transformation of our company to low-carbon steel production is progressing on schedule.
“With this system for on-site hydrogen production, we are fulfilling our side of the bargain.
“The onus is now on governments to create suitable framework conditions for green production.
“The priorities here are competitive grid costs and a committed incentivisation for promoting of the hydrogen economy.”
Andritz’s executive vice-president for green hydrogen Sami Pelkonen added: “We are very proud to be making a contribution to the conversion to climate-friendly steel with the laying of the cornerstone today for our 100MW electrolysis plant.
“Our extensive experience in the construction of major plants provides us with a solid foundation for realising this innovative project.
“It fits perfectly with our long-term growth strategy which is focused on decarbonisation and supports our customers such as Salzgitter in mastering their green transformation.”
SALCOS is being realised in stages and consists of a direct reduction plant, an electric arc furnace – both already under construction – and the 100MW electrolysis plant for the production of hydrogen.
Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH will launch products using the new route on the market as early as 2026.
Pictured at the ground-breaking ceremony, from left: Andrea Prevedello, Walther Hartl and Sami Pelkonen from Andritz with Gerd Baresch and Thorsten Hinrichs of SZFG.