H-Acero2, led by Sarralle, looking to decarbonise steel production by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen.
The objective of the H-Acero2 project, led by Sarralle, is to promote the decarbonisation of the Basque Country steel sector through the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels in various stages of the steel production process. With a total budget of 7.53 million euros (2024–2026), the project addresses the main technological challenges in electric arc furnaces (EAFs), ladle and tundish preheating, reheating furnaces and oxycutting.
Building on the success of its first edition, H-Acero2 is looking to analyse the use of hydrogen for EAFs and to gain a deeper insight into the implications of green and conventional DRI in this equipment. Refractories will also be designed for both oxy-combustion and air-hydrogen combustion for all equipment. During the project, an oxy-fuel facility will be adapted for testing with larger and hot test pieces. Finally, an assessment of the environmental and economic impact of the use of hydrogen in industry will be conducted.
The project consortium, led by Sarralle, includes the major industrial players: Sidenor, ArcelorMittal, Tubacex, Tubos Reunidos, Nutec, Kelsen, Insertec, Nippon Gases and Global Factor. The research centres Tecnalia, Ceit, Tubacex R&D, Sidenor R&D and ArcelorMittal Global R&D are also participating in the initiative. Funded under the Hazitek 2024 programme and supported by SPRI and ERDF funds, H-Acero2 is aligned with the objectives of the EU's Horizon Europe 2021–2027.
Source: Sarralle
