Successful Hydrogen-Derived DRI Has Been Carried Out In Canada

ArcelorMittal has integrated green hydrogen into the production of direct reduced iron (DRI). Hydrogen Industry Leaders look at if Canada could be the following country to incorporate hydrogen into steel manufacturing.

As part of the test, the company accessed the ability to replace the use of natural gas with green hydrogen within the iron ore reduction process.

The first test saw 6.8% of natural gas replaced with green hydrogen during a 24-hour period, which is said to have contributed to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions.

ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada (AMLPC) is evaluating the possibility of further tests in the coming months by increasing the use of green hydrogen at the DRI plant.

Eventually, this could reduce carbon emissions in Contrecoeur by several hundred thousand tonnes per year.

Using electrolysers to produce green hydrogen in Contrecoeur will depend on a specific criterion, particularly the availability of sufficient electricity to power the units.

President and CEO of AMLPC, François Perras, said: “We have just demonstrated that Quebec can become a global pioneer in producing low carbon steel by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”