Blastr Green Steel Partners with Primetals Technologies for Ultra-Low CO2 Emissions Plant in Finland

Blastr Green Steel (Blastr) has chosen Primetals Technologies, a leading provider of environmental and energy-efficient solutions for the metals industry, as its technology partner for an upcoming steel plant in Inkoo, Finland. This facility aims to produce 2.5 million tonnes of ultra-low CO2 steel annually. This comprehensive partnership encompasses key stages of iron and steel production. The collaboration will focus on designing and implementing a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), an electric melt shop for steelmaking, an Arvedi ESP line for efficient steel processing, and a continuous pickling and galvanizing line for finishing the final product. This integrated approach positions the partnership for significant efficiency and value creation within the iron and steel production chain.

Primetals Technologies will spearhead the development of the DRI plant, which will be capable of using up to 100% hydrogen, in collaboration with Midrex Technologies, Inc., a global leader in DRI technology. This initiative underscores Blastr's commitment to sustainable steel production and positions the project as a significant advancement in low-carbon industrial manufacturing.

The partnership between Blastr Green Steel, Primetals Technologies, and Midrex combines cutting-edge technologies and expertise to develop a sustainable and efficient steel manufacturing process. Primetals Technologies, known for its innovative solutions, will ensure that the new facilities adhere to the latest industry standards for carbon emissions reduction.

Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr Green Steel, emphasizes, "This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable steel production and decarbonizing the steel value chain. By leveraging our strengths alongside industry leaders, we aim to drive innovation and shape the future of steel production."

The MIDREX H2TM Plant, utilizing up to 100% green hydrogen, will be developed by a consortium of Midrex and Primetals. This plant will produce hot Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) for direct use in the steel mill, as well as hot briquetted iron (HBI), enabling Blastr to decarbonize other value chains by offering ultra-low-carbon iron feedstock to customers.

K.C. Woody, President and CEO of Midrex, expressed satisfaction and enthusiasm regarding Blastr's selection of MIDREX H2 as the Direct Reduction (DR) technology. He highlighted that the integration of 100% hydrogen-based Hot Direct Reduced Iron (HDRI) and Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) production will establish Blastr as a significant contributor to decarbonizing European iron and steelmaking processes. This decision underscores the strategic alignment with sustainability goals, marking a pivotal step towards reducing carbon emissions in the industry.

Primetals Technologies will supply a comprehensive array of advanced technologies for Blastr Green Steel's new facility, enhancing its capabilities for sustainable and efficient steel production. This includes an electric arc furnace-based melt shop designed for direct charging of hot Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and melting recycled scrap metal. The melt shop will feature fully automated operations and an advanced control system, managed by Primetals Technologies, which will oversee the full electrics and automation, including optimized production management systems.

In addition, Primetals Technologies will provide secondary metallurgy equipment such as a ladle furnace and RH plant. These systems will enable Blastr to produce high-quality steel grades suitable for sectors like automotive manufacturing. Furthermore, Primetals Technologies will implement solutions for off-gas treatment and waste heat recovery, ensuring efficient energy reuse within the electric steel plant.

In addition to the core project, the partnership will encompass the deployment of cutting-edge technologies. This includes the Arvedi ESP thin slab casting and hot rolling line, as well as a highly advanced continuous pickling and galvanizing line. These additions will expand Blastr's production capabilities to include a variety of hot-rolled steel products, including coated steel sheets tailored for diverse industrial applications.

Mikael Lindvall, Chief Technology Officer of Blastr Green Steel, emphasized the critical role of technology in achieving Blastr's ultra-low CO2 targets in steel production. He highlighted the MIDREX Plant's incorporation of an electric heater instead of a gas-fired reformer/heater, ensuring net-zero direct CO2 emissions. Additionally, Lindvall underscored the importance of Arvedi ESP technology, certified as carbon-neutral, in thin-slab casting and hot rolling processes. These advancements are pivotal in supporting Blastr's ambitious emission reduction goals and advancing sustainable steel production practices.