According to project partners Danieli and Tenova, the plant will annually produce 1 million metric tons of direct reduced iron (DRI) using hydrogen, natural gas and coke oven gas. 

“Energiron DRI plants are hybrid-ready by design. DRI pellets processed by Energiron plants allow up to 96% metallization and variable carbon content ranging from 0.5%, with extensive use of hydrogen, and up 4.5% using 100% natural gas,” Danieli said. 

The Baosteel Zhanjiang DRI plant is the second Energiron DRI plant to be built in China, and China’s largest DRI reactor. 
Danieli and Tenova together developed the Energiron technology.

Stefano Maggiolino, Tenova HYL president and chief executive officer, called the plant's start a true achievement. 

"The successful production of the first DRI within less than two years from the contract signing showcases not just our technical expertise but also our unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable steel production. This pivotal achievement signifies a success for our company and clients and represents a significant leap towards a more sustainable future for steel production," he said.