The demonstration project includes the supply of two McLyzer electrolysers with an output of 1 MW each. In addition, a long-term 5-year service contract was agreed upon. The state of Brandenburg is funding the project with EUR 5.1 million as part of the regional innovation cluster.
The electrolysers will produce hydrogen for direct use in steel production. The hydrogen will first be used in the cold rolling mill. The hydrogen filling station is used to refuel forklifts or trucks with some of the hydrogen produced. The oxygen also generated during electrolysis is to be reused on site in production, for example in the hot rolling mill.
Smart operating modes to increase energy efficiency
Another goal is to optimize the overall energy efficiency of the production site by testing newly developed smart operating modes in real-world applications. They should make it possible to determine the best combination of software and hardware to improve system performance –comparable to software improvement in aircraft by implementing an intelligent strategy to control aircraft functions. The Brandenburgish Technical University (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg is providing scientific support for the project and analyzing data from hydrogen use at the demonstration plant to improve efficiency and support further development of electrolysers.
Reiner Blaschek, CEO of ArcelorMittal Germany, said: “The demonstration plant will serve H2 use in steel production as well as the logistical use of hydrogen-powered vehicles around steel production. With this project, we want to examine and show how further emission reductions are possible now, before a complete change in technology and the use of further hydrogen in the coming years will fully convert production to climate neutrality.”
