Italian consultancy RINA has unveiled its ambitious six-year research project, aptly named “Hydra.” With €88 million in funding from the European Commission under the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) program, this endeavor seeks to establish a 100% hydrogen-fueled steel production pilot plant, setting a new paradigm for sustainable steelmaking.
The Hydra project will encompass the design and construction of a pilot plant that will leverage hydrogen at every stage of the steel production process. Expected to be operational by 2025, this state-of-the-art facility has the potential to produce up to seven tonnes of diverse steel grades per hour. Its innovative components include a towering 30-meter Direct Iron Ore Reduction (DRI) tower that relies on hydrogen as a reducing agent, an electric furnace (EAF), and a reheating furnace.
However, what makes the Hydra project truly remarkable is its open research approach. As RINA's chairman and chief executive, Ugo Salerno, emphasizes, “Hydra is not intended or designed to provide a commercial advantage to any one steel producer but rather move the industry and the world forward in the use of 100% hydrogen production with near-zero emissions.” This commitment to collective progress underscores the project's focus on revolutionizing the steel sector and reducing its environmental footprint.
The steel industry, responsible for approximately 8% of global emissions, is at a pivotal crossroads. With the Hydra project leading the way, the prospect of harnessing hydrogen as a clean energy source to power steel production offers hope for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. This initiative not only promises to reshape the steelmaking landscape but also stands as a testament to the European Commission's dedication to fostering vital projects of common European interest.
