Imagine replacing giant gas burners in a factory with high-tech electric heaters, similar to how a kitchen stove evolved from gas to induction. This project swaps fossil-fuel combustion for electricity to create the heat needed for making steel and hydrogen. It also includes a way to recycle carbon dioxide, turning waste back into a useful raw material.
The steel industry relies on fossil fuels and coking coal, making it difficult to reach climate targets. Current transitions to hydrogen are expensive and limited by infrastructure.
Electrified reformers, induction-heated ammonia crackers, and plasma-assisted CO2 recycling systems.
If you are a steel mill operator dealing with high CO2 emissions and volatile coking coal prices — this project developed electrified reactors that can reduce emissions across BF and DRI routes. These systems aim for energy savings of ≥25% compared to current technology.
If you are an ammonia producer dealing with the need to deliver pure hydrogen from imports — this project developed induction-heated ammonia crackers. These units ensure minimal NH3 slip and align with Europe's ammonia import strategy.
If you are a gas grid operator dealing with the transition to hydrogen-based DRI — this project developed compact Joule-heated reformers. These systems eliminate combustion losses and allow for flexible syngas production using renewable electricity.
The project aims to deliver energy savings of ≥25% compared to state-of-the-art systems. Based on available project data, specific monetary cost reductions are not listed.
The project targets TRL 7 for reformers and crackers, and TRL 6 for plasma CO2 recycling. This indicates a move toward system prototype demonstration in operational environments.
Based on available project data, specific IP or licensing terms are not provided, though the project involves 12 industrial partners including ArcelorMittal and Iberdrola.
It is designed to help the steel industry meet the proposed 90% GHG reduction target by 2040 and EU climate neutrality goals.
The project runs from 2026 to 2030, with a roadmap for full deployment by 2035.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 12 industrial partners (80% of the group) and 5 SMEs across 5 countries. The presence of major players like ArcelorMittal, Iberdrola, and SNAM suggests a high level of commercial intent and direct access to industrial testing sites, reducing the gap between research and market entry.
Contact Iberdrola Clientes Sociedad Anonima in Spain
Contact us to explore partnership opportunities with the ELEKTRA industrial consortium.
