In an announcement, Salzgitter AG executive board chairman Heinz Jörg Fuhrmann said the project is a “significant building block that will promote more environmentally compatible steel production.”

Through the project, Salzgitter will build and operate the proton-exchange membrane electrolysis plant, which will be powered by seven wind turbines. The turbines will sit at Salzgitter Group sites – three at its integrated Salzgitter Flachstahl works in Germany –  and will be built by grid operator Avacon. 

Gas supplier Linde will be responsible for distribution. Linde already delivers hydrogen to Salzgitter for use in its annealing processes. 

“In the context of this project, the partners are aiming to build up know-how for the environmentally compatible production of hydrogen, as well as gaining experience with the on-site production of hydrogen and its incorporation into an integrated steel mill with its complex production processes,” the company said.  

It also said the project is more of an test run because, on its own, it’s not commercially viable. 

“Although the framework conditions prevailing today do not permit the commercial operation of a direct combination of wind energy generation and electrolysis operations without government funding, the three partners are determined to take this technology that is so significant for the future and for climate protection further,” Salzgitter said. 

You can find the company’s full announcement here.