ArcelorMittal’s Green Hydrogen DRI Test a Success in Canada

ArcelorMittal took a big step toward reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at its long products mill in Contrecoeur, Quebec, by partial replacement of natural gas with green hydrogen.

The successful test on the mill’s direct reduced iron (DRI) modules saw 6.8% of natural gas replaced with green hydrogen during a 24-hour period. The outcome contributed to a measurable reduction in CO2 emissions. The result is noteworthy because the iron ore reduction process alone contributes to more than 75% of the facility’s overall CO2 emissions.

“ArcelorMittal’s ambition is to lead the decarbonization of the steel industry, and this test is an important milestone in the company’s journey to produce zero carbon emissions steel via the DRI-based steelmaking route using green hydrogen as an input,” the company said.

ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada (AMLPC) is evaluating the possibility of carrying out further tests in the coming months by increasing the use of green hydrogen to make DRI. The move could eventually reduce CO2 emissions in Contrecoeur by several hundred thousand tons per year, the company said.

“With one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world, AMLPC is well-positioned to contribute to … decarbonization efforts if the right conditions are in place in Quebec,” ArcelorMittal added.

AMLPC’s low-carbon footprint is driven by an electric-arc furnace (EAF)-DRI pathway to steelmaking. The mill also uses renewable electricity and locally sourced iron ore and scrap metal.

“We have just demonstrated that Quebec can become a global pioneer in the production of low CO2 steel,” AMLPC president and CEO said François Perras said in a statement.

Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal has so far invested $5.6 billion in four such projects in Spain, Belgium, Canada and France. ArcelorMittal has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com