In a statement, Paul Wurth said the project is intended to validate a new dry reforming process that generates CO₂-neutral syngas from coke plant byproducts. The hope is to show that syngas can be an effective replacement for fossil-based reducants, potentially lowering CO₂ emissions by 15% to 20%.

“I am convinced this is the right direction to achieve significant results in terms of emission abatement. This cooperation is a further important step toward carbon neutral ironmaking for which Paul Wurth and SMS group aim to be the technological front-runners,” said Thomas Hansmann, Paul Wurth’s chief technology and operations officer.

The test plant is to be built at Italiana Coke’s production site in Cairo Montenotte (Savona), Italy.

“Italiana Coke and Paul Wurth have a long history of cooperation and research. In the frame of our efforts to improve and search for better environmental performances, Italiana Coke is proud to help Paul Wurth pilot an innovative project and test a revolutionary technology,” said Paolo Cervetti, managing director of Italiana Coke.