Energiron is a direct reduction technology jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli.
 
The direct reduced iron (DRI) plant is the largest “sub-plant” in the first stage of the SALCOS^® (Salzgitter Low-CO₂ Steelmaking) transformation program, which aims to achieve near-to-CO₂ -free steel production.
 
In a press release, Salzgitter said the order for the hydrogen-ready plant “is an important step in the technology transition of Salzgitter Flachstahl from ironmaking to electric steelmaking, which targets a final 95% carbon emission reduction.”
 
“We are underpinning our motto ‘A new way of thinking for a new industry’ today with a clear signal to the market,” said Gunnar Groebler, chairman of Salzgitter AG’s executive board.
 
“As early as 2026, we will be in a position to produce significant quantities of green steel and make it available to our customers. I am pleased and also a little proud that we, as a pioneer with fully up-front financing for the first stage of our transformation program, have today awarded this contract to our strong partners. We have thus taken a decisive step forward on the way to a scheduled start of production of the SALCOS^® route in 2026.”
 
The order also includes the Hytemp^® system for the pneumatic transport of hot DRI into the electric arc furnace at temperatures of up to 600°C. The plant will be also have the ability to produce cold DRI. The hybrid technology of Energiron allows for the use of natural gas as reducing agent with the possibility to add hydrogen. The technology can also capture and utilize CO₂.
 
The start-up of the new Energiron DRI plant is anticipated for July 2026, and a second Energiron DR plant will be installed in a subsequent phase at the site.
 
Read more here and here.