At Luxmet, we’re committed to developing new technologies to move toward green and fossil-free steel production. Steel industries are seeking innovative technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. One solution is the use of hydrogen plasma reduction for steelmaking. By using the power of hydrogen plasma, steelmakers can achieve efficient reduction of iron ores, leading to cleaner and greener steel production processes.
Hydrogen plasma reduction involves exposing iron ores to high-energy hydrogen plasma. This process occurs within EAF, where the intense heat generated by the plasma arc enables rapid and precise control over the reduction kinetics. Unlike traditional methods, hydrogen plasma reduction eliminates the need for carbon reductants, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
The benefits of hydrogen plasma reduction in EAF steelmaking extend beyond environmental considerations. Despite initial investment costs, hydrogen plasma reduction technology demonstrates promising cost competitiveness, especially with low-cost renewable electricity. By replacing carbon-intensive reductants with hydrogen plasma, steel producers can achieve higher purity levels in the final product while also improving energy efficiency. Moreover, the versatility of EAF allows for the seamless integration of hydrogen plasma technology into existing steelmaking infrastructure, making it a practical and cost-effective solution for transitioning towards fossil-free steel production. Stay tuned for our next posts about the EU-funded H2PlasmaRed project in the field of hydrogen plasma reduction and Luxmet’s role in the project.
