Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction Technology: One Example of Clean Steel Partnership Success Stories

The EU steel sector's decarbonization targets (55% CO₂ reduction by 2030, 80–95% by 2050) drive plasma-based technology innovation, emerging as promising solutions for full electrification and viable alternatives to carbon-dependent processes. The H2PlasmaRed project, through Clean Steel Partnership, focuses on hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR) technology that dissociates hydrogen molecules in high-temperature plasma environments. Advancing from TRL 5 to TRL 7, the project demonstrates HPSR viability for processing low-grade iron ores and side stream materials via pilot-scale reactor and retrofitted 5-ton arc furnace. This presentation details technical progress, achievements and collaborative partnerships enabling breakthrough steel decarbonization technologies.

Authors:

Akhilesh Swarnakar | European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP)
 

Alexander Jelinek | K1-MET GmbH
 

Dr. Klaus Peters | European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP)
 

Dr. Michael Zarl | K1-MET GmbH
 

Dr. Henri Pauna | University of Oulu
 

Session Chairs:

Jens Kempken | SMS group GmbH
 

Frank Ahrenhold | Industrial-transition