Calderys Collaborates to Make ArcelorMittal Green Hydrogen Project a Success

Calderys supplied equipment, refractories and expertise to steel plant manufacturer, Sarralle, to put into operation the world's first ladle preheating station running on 100% green hydrogen as fuel.

This groundbreaking innovation, undertaken by Sarralle for ArcelorMittal Sestao, Spain, allows a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and, it is hoped, will also reduce operating costs in the long term, compared to using natural gas as a fuel. For this project, Calderys manufactured and installed the burner precast component, and also supplied and installed the castables to line the preheater.

Producing steel is energy intensive and, according to consultancy firm, McKinsey & Company, is responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions. For Calderys, helping the industry reduce its carbon emissions and operating costs, is a strategic priority. The company’s purpose emphasizes its role as a partner for customers addressing the challenges of the energy transition.

As a key ally to the iron and steel industry, Calderys has increased its service solutions from ironmaking and continuous casting, to a full range of steel processing equipment. As well as ladle heaters, other iron and steel making equipment can be conditioned with Calderys refractories to operate more cleanly and efficiently with green hydrogen, including Electric Arc Furnaces, Tundish Heaters, Continuous Casting Oxyfuel-Cutting, and Reheating Furnaces.

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Green hydrogen is made using renewable energy - such as wind, solar and hydropower. With an abundance of sun and wind as energy sources, Spain is positioning itself as Europe’s future leader in green hydrogen production, and the ArcelorMittal Sestao plant is perfectly situated to take advantage of this reliable supply.

Renewable energy, including green hydrogen, is a central pillar of the REPowerEU plan to speed up the green transition and promote massive investment in renewable energy. As well as increasing Europe’s energy security, green hydrogen is important in the EU's push for net zero CO2 emissions. The target is to achieve a reduction of 55% by 2030, compared to levels measured in 1990.

Michel Cornelissen, President and CEO of Calderys,  is clear about the company’s commitment to more sustainable iron and steel production: “We are focused on supporting  the industry and its transition to green steel with adapted solutions, and we are proud to put our technical know-how and expertise at the service of our customers, in order for them to operate at the highest performance, and most sustainable levels.”

The preheating station comprises a layering of CALDE materials.
The preheating station comprises a layering of CALDE materials.

 

The burner block was manufactured and dried at the Calderys facility in Gijon, Spain.
The burner block was manufactured and dried at the Calderys facility in Gijon, Spain.