Blastr Green Steel selects Primetals Technologies for ultra-low CO₂ steel plant in Finland

Blastr Green Steel has chosen Primetals Technologies, a leading provider of environmental and energy-efficient solutions for the metals industry, as its technology partner for the upcoming steel plant in Inkoo, Finland, which will produce 2.5 million tonnes of ultra-low CO₂ steel annually.

The collaboration will cover essential aspects of iron and steel production, including the development of a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant, an electric steelmaking melt shop, an Arvedi ESP line, and a continuous pickling and galvanising line. Primetals Technologies will work alongside Midrex Technologies, Inc., the global leader in DRI technology, to create an up to 100% hydrogen-based DRI plant.

Cutting-edge technology for sustainable steel manufacturing

The partnership leverages the advanced technologies and expertise of Primetals Technologies and Midrex to establish a sustainable and efficient steel production process.

With its array of innovative technology solutions, Primetals Technologies is set to ensure that the new facilities adhere to the latest industry standards for carbon emission reduction.

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable steel production and decarbonising the steel value chain. By combining our strengths with industry leaders, we are poised to drive innovation and shape the future of steel production," Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr Green Steel, stated.

The MIDREX H2™ plant, powered by up to 100% green hydrogen, will be delivered by a consortium of Midrex and Primetals. This plant will produce hot DRI for direct charging to the steel mill and hot briquetted iron (HBI), allowing Blastr to supply ultra-low-carbon iron feedstock to other value chains.

"We are pleased and excited by the selection of MIDREX H2 as the DR technology by Blastr," K.C. Woody, President and CEO of Midrex Technologies, commented. "The combination of 100% hydrogen-based HDRI and HBI production positions Blastr to be a major force in the decarbonisation of European iron and steelmaking."

Advanced electric arc furnace and automation systems

Primetals Technologies will also provide an electric arc furnace-based melt shop designed for the direct charging of hot DRI and the melting of recycled scrap metal. The melt shop will feature fully automated operations and advanced control systems. Primetals Technologies is responsible for the complete electrics and automation, including state-of-the-art automation systems and solutions for optimised production management.

"The production process will be optimised with digitalisation, enhanced use of robot technology, and advanced solutions for remote control to enable the highest possible level of autonomous operations, enhancing occupational safety, a top priority for the project," Andreas Viehboeck, Head of Upstream Technologies at Primetals Technologies, said.

Primetals Technologies will supply secondary metallurgy equipment, including a ladle furnace and an RH plant, enabling Blastr to produce high-quality steel grades for the automotive sector and other industries. Additionally, Primetals Technologies will implement a system to treat off-gases and a plant to recover waste heat for the electric steel plant, ensuring efficient energy reuse.

The partnership also includes an Arvedi ESP thin slab casting and hot rolling line, as well as a modern continuous pickling and galvanising line to produce various hot-rolled steel products, including coated steel sheets for multiple industrial applications.

"Blastr’s ultra-low CO₂ targets require technology that ensures net-zero direct CO₂ emissions from the 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 ambitiously set emission targets," Mikael Lindvall, Chief Technology Officer of Blastr Green Steel, said.