With EUR88 million in funding from the European Commission, the six-year Hydra project will be located at RINA’s Centro Sviluppo Materiali (CSM) in Castel Romano, Italy. RINA is a multinational testing, inspection, certification and engineering specialist.  

The pilot facility, which is to open in 2025, will include a direct iron ore reduction (DRI) tower, which will use hydrogen as its primary reducing agent, as well as an electric furnace and a reheating furnace.  

Through a testing and qualification hub, the project will also characterize the materials, equipment and internal infrastructure required, including transportation and storage, by steel producers to transition to 100% hydrogen steel production.

“The Hydra project underscores our commitment to sustainable innovation. While it offers a technological shift, its unique open research nature ensures that its benefits can be shared across the steel industry,” said Ugo Salerno, RINA chairman and chief executive officer. 

“Our aim isn't just to benefit one player but to contribute to the industry's collective move toward more eco-friendly processes. This is why the Hydra project has been supported since its inception by leading European steel producers, plant suppliers, utilities and major stakeholders in the sector.”