Tenova to Provide Japan's Maiden Hydrogen Experimental DRI Facility

In the realm of advancing sustainable practices within the metals industry, Nippon Steel Corporation is poised to embark on experimental endeavors involving reduced iron with hydrogen, employing the innovative ENERGIRON® technology. The initiative comes as Tenova, a distinguished provider of sustainable solutions for the metals sector's transition towards eco-friendly practices, recently clinched a contract to furnish an Experimental Direct Reduction Plant (EDRP) commissioned by Nippon Steel Corporation. Supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), this project will find its home within Nippon Steel Corporation's Hasaki R&D Center.

The primary objective of this facility is to conduct demonstration tests for the "Development of Direct Hydrogen Reduction Technology for Reducing Low-Grade Iron Ore with Hydrogen Alone / Development of Technology for Direct Hydrogen Reduction," a project endorsed by NEDO's Green Innovation Fund in December 2021. Spearheaded by a consortium comprising Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, and the Japan Research and Development Center for Metals, this initiative aims to explore innovative methods for iron ore reduction.

The Direct Reduction (DR) plant, based on the ENERGIRON® technology jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli, will utilize hydrogen as the primary reducing gas. However, it will retain the versatility to incorporate various gases in different combinations or proportions. To facilitate this flexibility, the plant will be outfitted with Tenova's proprietary CO2 capture equipment, enabling the mitigation of overall CO2 emissions, particularly when operating with gas blends containing carbon.

This contract reaffirms ENERGIRON® as the forefront technology for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plants, showcasing its prowess in driving sustainable advancements in the industry. Tenova is proud to contribute to this pivotal project and supply Japan's maiden Experimental Direct Reduction Plant fueled by hydrogen.

Tenova's headquarters are situated in Castellanza, Italy. Presently, the company boasts a widespread global presence spanning across 19 countries, facilitated by a comprehensive network of companies and services tailored to meet clients' needs precisely when, where, and how they need them. Tenova: Leading the way with sustainable solutions for the metals and mining industries.

Nippon Steel Corporation stands as Japan's foremost steel manufacturer, with its headquarters located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. The company operates across four key business segments, encompassing steelmaking, engineering, chemicals, and system solutions. Renowned as the largest producer of crude steel in Japan and ranking as the third largest globally, Nippon Steel Corporation maintains a formidable presence in the steel industry. It holds the title of Japan's leading producer of crude steel and ranks as the third largest producer globally.