SynopsisThe groundbreaking ceremony for "greentec steel" in Linz marks a significant step toward electrifying energy-intensive steel production, reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% from 2027. This initiative, costing €1.5 billion, is part of voestalpine's commitment to climate protection, aiming to save nearly 4 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. Additional EAFs, new processes, and pilot projects will further propel the company towards its net-zero target by 2050. The efficient use of green electricity and infrastructure development are vital components of this green endeavor.Article:In a noteworthy milestone for the steel industry and climate protection, voestalpine, a major player in the steel sector, has initiated the construction of "greentec steel" in Linz, Austria. This groundbreaking event is part of voestalpine's ambitious plan to electrify energy-intensive steel production, ultimately reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 30% from 2027. This pioneering project is not just symbolic; it's a tangible commitment to a greener future.The first phase of this endeavor involves the construction of an electric arc furnace at both Linz and Donawitz, Austria. The integration of these green electricity-powered EAFs into steel production is anticipated to have a significant impact, resulting in a reduction of around 4 million metric tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to 5% of Austria's domestic emissions. This makes "greentec steel" Austria's most substantial climate protection initiative.The grand plan extends into the future, with the goal of replacing two additional blast furnaces in Linz and Donawitz, along with investing in an extra EAF in Linz, all to be achieved by 2030. These actions are part of voestalpine's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To get there, the company is actively researching new processes and investing in pilot projects to explore innovative pathways in steel production.The financial commitment to these two groundbreaking projects totals €1.5 billion, with Linz accounting for around €1 billion of this investment. Construction of the EAF in Linz is set to begin in 2024, with commissioning scheduled three years later. Once fully operational, this EAF will annually produce around 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂-reduced steel. The technology used in the EAF combines a mix of scrap, liquid pig iron, and HBI to maintain high product quality.Key to the success of these EAFs is the availability of green electricity at competitive prices. Equally important is the development of an efficient and integrated network infrastructure to support these initiatives.The scale of construction is substantial, with 20 projects covering both above and below ground areas. This includes the installation of a new raw materials supply system, the relocation of storage buildings, road construction, and adaptations to the steel mill. Construction of the EAF is planned to begin in January 2024. During the coming months, the new belt conveyor and raw materials supply system will be completed and commissioned. Subsequently, preparations for the EAF's construction, including the microtunnel for a new 220kV power line, will commence. This tunnel, at a depth of about 25 meters, presents a cooling challenge that involves flooding it with groundwater to prevent overheating. Approximately 250 employees are tasked with realizing this significant construction project, with more than 230 external companies already contracted.Conclusion:The groundbreaking ceremony for "greentec steel" in Linz signifies a major step forward in voestalpine's commitment to greener steel production. With a significant investment of €1.5 billion, this initiative aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, contributing to Austria's climate protection goals. As the construction progresses, the promise of a more sustainable future in steel production draws closer. Efficient use of green electricity and a well-developed infrastructure are key to the success of this monumental endeavor.
SynopsisThe groundbreaking ceremony for "greentec steel" in Linz marks a significant step toward electrifying energy-intensive steel production, reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% from 2027. This initiative, costing €1.5 billion, is part of voestalpine's commitment to climate protection, aiming to save nearly 4 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. Additional EAFs, new processes, and pilot projects will further propel the company towards its net-zero target by 2050. The efficient use of green electricity and infrastructure development are vital components of this green endeavor.Article:In a noteworthy milestone for the steel industry and climate protection, voestalpine, a major player in the steel sector, has initiated the construction of "greentec steel" in Linz, Austria. This groundbreaking event is part of voestalpine's ambitious plan to electrify energy-intensive steel production, ultimately reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 30% from 2027. This pioneering project is not just symbolic; it's a tangible commitment to a greener future.The first phase of this endeavor involves the construction of an electric arc furnace at both Linz and Donawitz, Austria. The integration of these green electricity-powered EAFs into steel production is anticipated to have a significant impact, resulting in a reduction of around 4 million metric tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to 5% of Austria's domestic emissions. This makes "greentec steel" Austria's most substantial climate protection initiative.The grand plan extends into the future, with the goal of replacing two additional blast furnaces in Linz and Donawitz, along with investing in an extra EAF in Linz, all to be achieved by 2030. These actions are part of voestalpine's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To get there, the company is actively researching new processes and investing in pilot projects to explore innovative pathways in steel production.The financial commitment to these two groundbreaking projects totals €1.5 billion, with Linz accounting for around €1 billion of this investment. Construction of the EAF in Linz is set to begin in 2024, with commissioning scheduled three years later. Once fully operational, this EAF will annually produce around 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂-reduced steel. The technology used in the EAF combines a mix of scrap, liquid pig iron, and HBI to maintain high product quality.Key to the success of these EAFs is the availability of green electricity at competitive prices. Equally important is the development of an efficient and integrated network infrastructure to support these initiatives.The scale of construction is substantial, with 20 projects covering both above and below ground areas. This includes the installation of a new raw materials supply system, the relocation of storage buildings, road construction, and adaptations to the steel mill. Construction of the EAF is planned to begin in January 2024. During the coming months, the new belt conveyor and raw materials supply system will be completed and commissioned. Subsequently, preparations for the EAF's construction, including the microtunnel for a new 220kV power line, will commence. This tunnel, at a depth of about 25 meters, presents a cooling challenge that involves flooding it with groundwater to prevent overheating. Approximately 250 employees are tasked with realizing this significant construction project, with more than 230 external companies already contracted.Conclusion:The groundbreaking ceremony for "greentec steel" in Linz signifies a major step forward in voestalpine's commitment to greener steel production. With a significant investment of €1.5 billion, this initiative aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, contributing to Austria's climate protection goals. As the construction progresses, the promise of a more sustainable future in steel production draws closer. Efficient use of green electricity and a well-developed infrastructure are key to the success of this monumental endeavor.
