Hydrogen-Based Steel Production in Salzgitter
The SALCOS® transformation program aims to reduce CO2 emissions from steel production through a gradual shift from the blast furnace route to direct reduction and electric steelmaking. The first phase is scheduled to begin production in the first half of 2027 and includes a direct reduction plant, an electric arc furnace, and a 100-MW electrolysis plant for hydrogen production. The direct reduction plant is based on “Energiron ZR® Direct Reduction” technology, which can be flexibly operated using either hydrogen or natural gas.
Salzgitter is driving forward the gradual transformation of its site and aims to complete the transition by the mid-2030s. The company is relying on strong partnerships for its future hydrogen supply: With a preliminary agreement signed in 2024, Salzgitter and Uniper have laid the groundwork for planned annual deliveries of up to 20,000 metric tons of hydrogen produced from renewable electricity. This hydrogen is to be produced at Uniper’s planned large-scale electrolysis plant in Wilhelmshaven and transported to Salzgitter via the hydrogen infrastructure currently under development.