Anglo American & Thyssenkrupp Join Hands for Green Steel

Anglo American and thyssenkrupp Steel have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing new pathways for the decarbonization of steelmaking. The collaboration will focus on joint research to accelerate the development of high-quality input stock for lower carbon steel production, using both conventional blast furnace and direct reduction iron. Thyssenkrupp Steel’s Chief Technology Officer Dr Arnd Köfler said “We want to decarbonize the steel value chain inside and outside our plant boundaries. We are setting up our own production with low-CO2 emissions through a combination of direct reduction plants with innovative melters. In addition, we are working with many partners to make steel lower in CO2 across the board. We are therefore very pleased to be working with Anglo American to explore ways in which we can use high-grade iron ore in the production process in the best way possible for reducing emissions." As part of its tkH2Steel transformation concept, thyssenkrupp Steel has developed an innovative and technologically leading concept for decarbonizing steel production. The coal-based blast furnaces will be replaced by hydrogen-powered direct reduction equipment. The iron produced there, which will have been directly reduced with hydrogen, will be liquefied for the first time in downstream, specially developed melting units to produce high-quality hot metal. All subsequent production steps can take place in the existing plant structure, including the steel mills, thus enabling an efficient transformation. In the new plant concept, the entire premium product portfolio can thus be produced with low CO2 emissions without compromising on quality. tkH2Steel thus represents an efficient and exemplary path towards climate-friendly steel production. Recently thyssenkrupp released appropriate equity funds for the construction of the first direct reduction plant at the Duisburg site, laying the foundations for investments of more than two billion euros for the green transformation. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia intends to fund the project with an amount in the mid three-digit millions. The first direct reduction plant in Duisburg is scheduled to come on stream in 2026.