The two 200-metric-ton digital melting units will have a combined capacity of 3.2 million tons per year and will allow the facility to reduce its emissions by over 80% by 2027, according to Danieli.
 
The two Digimelters will replace Ostrava’s existing four tandem steelmaking furnaces. Starting in 2027, the furnaces will be able to melt hot briquetted iron, direct reduced iron and scrap mixes, and up to 100% scrap.
 
“Danieli is delighted to have been selected by LIBERTY Ostrava as the technology provider for this prestigious project that represents a milestone in European steelmaking history, being the first major project in Europe that will replace carbon-based, blast furnace technology with the latest electric arc furnace-based, green steel technology,” said Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, chief executive officer of Danieli.”
 
“The two new, 200-metric-ton hybrid electric arc furnaces … will incorporate the latest design and technological packages in the field of electric arc furnace melting to ensure the lowest CO₂ and NOx emissions, whilst also providing a significant improvement in liquid steel conversion costs, thereby improving the competitiveness of the LIBERTY Ostrava plant.”
 
Danieli continued, “This contract is an excellent example that decarbonization does not mean a threat, but rather an opportunity for improvement.”