Blastr Green Steel chooses Primetals Technologies as technological partner for hydrogen-based DRI plant development
Blastr Green Steel has chosen Primetals Technologies as its technological partner for the development of a new 2.5 million tons-per-year steel production complex to be implemented in Inkoo, close to the city of Helsinki, Finland. When in operation, the steel plant and an integrated hydrogen production facility will provide approximately 1,000 direct and 4,600 indirect jobs in Finland.
As the market leader in environmental and energy-efficiency solutions for the metals industry with numerous highly innovative solutions in its portfolio, Primetals Technologies will ensure that the new facilities meet the latest industry standards.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey toward sustainable steel production and decarbonizing the steel value chain. By combining our strengths with industry leaders, we are poised to drive innovation and shape the future of steel production,” says Mark Bula.
The MIDREX H2 plant, powered by 100 per cent green hydrogen, will be provided by a consortium of Midrex and Primetals Technologies. The plant will produce hot DRI for direct charging to the steel mill, as well as hot briquetted iron (HBI), enabling Blastr to decarbonize other value chains by providing ultra-low-carbon iron feedstock for customers.
“We are pleased and excited by the selection of MIDREX H2 as the DR technology by Blastr,” K.C. Woody said. “The combination of 100 percent hydrogen-based HDRI and HBI production positions Blastr to be a major force in the decarbonization of European iron and steelmaking.”
Primetals Technologies will also supply an electric arc furnace-based melt shop with a 300-ton EAF Ultimate designed for the direct charging of hot DRI and characterized by short tap-to-tap times, fully automated operation, and advanced control systems. A comprehensive secondary metallurgy scope is planned as well, comprising a ladle furnace and an RH plant. The secondary metallurgy equipment will allow Blastr to produce top-quality steel grades for the highly demanding automotive sector.
In addition, Primetals Technologies will supply an off-gas treatment system and a waste heat recovery plant for the electric steelmaking plant, ensuring the most efficient reuse of energy.
“Blastr’s ultra-low CO₂ targets require technology that ensures net-zero direct CO₂ emissions from steel production. The MIDREX plant, featuring an electric heater as an alternative to a gas-fired reformer/heater, and the Arvedi ESP technology, which is an officially certified carbon-neutral thin-slab casting and hot rolling process, are two key technologies needed on the path to meet our ambitious emission targets,” says Mikael Lindvall.
Primetals Technologies is also responsible for the full electrics and automation scope including the complete process automation systems as well as digitalization solutions for optimized production and energy management and comprehensive quality-control systems. Implementing a greenfield, state-of-the-art, integrated green steel production facility is a process that puts great expectations on the supplier. This also applies to automation solutions, for which the need for quick learning and evaluations will be particularly high.