Steel Market 01 / 2020

Worldwide
Industry & Technology
in the region where it is active. In Europe,
it is currently investing EUR 250
million in technologies for the reduction
of emissions. Also, it pledges political
commitment so that policymakers
»understand and promote the transition
to a future of low emission.«
Lighthouse project in Hamburg:
DRI through hydrogen
At ArcelorMittal Hamburg, Germany’s
only mill with direct-reduced-iron
(DRI) technology, the group targets
the use of alternative feedstocks and
the conversion of CO 2
emissions involving
hydrogen. The new hydrogen-
based process aims to be able to produce
steel with the lowest CO 2
emis-
sions. The project costs amount to
around EUR 65 million (USD 73 mil-
lion). The hydrogen-based reduction
of iron ore will initially take place on
a demonstration-scale with an annual
production of 100,000 tonnes. The
process is first tested with grey hydrogen
(generate d at gas separation) to
allow for economical operation. In the
ArcelorMittal claims that the existing Midrex plant in Hamburg is the one with the
lowest CO 2
emission in quality steel production in Europe. It converts 980,000
tonnes of iron ore pellets into sponge iron, which consists of 95% pure iron.
future, the plant should also be able using hydrogen as a reduction agent
to run on green hydrogen (generated is that we go for industrial production
from renewable sources) when it is right away,« the CEO for Germany,
available in enough quantities. »The Frank Schulz said at the announcement
difference to earlier similar projects
of the project in spring. •
Italian steel production declines
According to the latest figures published by the Federacciai
Association, the 2019 Italian crude steel production
was 5.2 per cent down on the previous year. This
means that the decline was higher than forecast in
October, caused by a very weak fourth quarter. In
2019, crude steel production in Italy amounted to
23.2 million tonnes. This represents a decline of 5.2
percent compared to 2018. Production of long products
fell by only 0.8 percent to 12.3 million tonnes. In contrast,
flat products declined by 4.8 percent to 10.6 million
tons. December saw a 35 per cent decline in flat products.
The decline in long products was 5.8 per cent in
the last month of 2019. Total crude steel production
was down 17.3 per cent. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, the
corresponding production figures were still rising. Only
flat products showed slight declines in 2017 and 2018.
Some steel producers took advantage of the weaker
economy at the end of the year for maintenance work,
which led to production stoppages. The uncertainty
surrounding the Ilva plant also had a negative impact
Maintenance work at Arvedi has contributed to the decline
in the manufacture of flat products.
on production figures. A decision on how to proceed
with the ArcelorMittal plant will be taken in spring
(see also page 16). Market observers expect the situation
to ease slightly in the first few months of this year,
as the retail sector wants to replenish its stocks. •
Copyright: Arvedi
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