This milestone marks the industrial adoption of hydrogen in SALCOS® – Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking, which aims to achieve virtually carbon-free steel production. The 100-MW electrolysis plant will be supplied on an EPC basis by ANDRITZ, utilizing HydrogenPro’s pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology.
SALCOS® is being implemented in phases and consists of a direct reduction plant, an electric arc furnace (both already under construction), and the 100-MW electrolysis plant for hydrogen production. Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH plans to launch products from this new process as early as 2026. The full conversion to near-carbon-free steel production at the Salzgitter facility is scheduled for completion by 2033.
Gerd Baresch, Managing Director Technical division of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, said: “Today’s cornerstone laying represents a further major step in our SALCOS® program. 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 incentivization for promoting of the hydrogen economy.”
Sami Pelkonen, Executive Vice President, Green Hydrogen at ANDRITZ, 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 100-MW electrolysis plant. Our extensive experience in the construction of major plants provides us with a solid foundation for realizing this innovative project. It fits perfectly with our long-term growth strategy which is focused on decarbonization and supports our customers such as Salzgitter in mastering their green transformation.”
