Blastr Green Steel chooses technological partner for Finland plant

Blastr Green Steel has selected Primetals Technologies Ltd. as its technology partner for its planned steel plant in Inkoo, Finland, which the Helsinki-based company expects to produce 2.5 million tons of low-carbon steel annually.

Blastr says the partnership encompasses a range of crucial components in iron and steel production, including the design of a direct reduced iron (DRI) plant; and electric steelmaking melt shop; an Arvedi ESP line; and a continuous pickling and galvanizing line. London-based Primetals will develop the up-to 100 percent hydrogen-based DRI plant in collaboration with Charlotte, North Carolina-based Midrex Technologies Inc.

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The partnership brings together cutting-edge technologies and the expertise of Primetals and Midrex to develop a sustainable and efficient steel manufacturing process, according to Blastr, which adds that Primetals will ensure the new facilities meet the latest industry standards to contain carbon emissions.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable steel production and decarbonizing the steel value chain,” Blastr CEO Mark Bula says. “By combining our strengths with industry leaders, we are poised to drive innovation and shape the future of steel production.”

According to the steelmaker, the Midrex H2TM plant will be powered by up to 100 percent green hydrogen and will be provided by a consortium of Midrex and Primetals. The plant will produce hot DRI for direct charging to the steel mill, as well as hot briquetted iron (HBI), enabling Blastr to decarbonize other value chains by providing ultra-low-carbon iron feedstock for customers.

“We are pleased and excited by the selection of Midrex H2 as the DRI technology by Blastr,” Midrex President and CEO K.C. Woody says. “The combination of 100 percent hydrogen-based HDRI and HBI production positions Blastr to be a major force in the decarbonization of European iron and steelmaking.”

Primetals also will supply an electric arc furnace- (EAF-) based melt shop designed for direct charging of hot DRI and to melt recycled scrap metal with fully automated operation and an advanced control system, Blastr says. The technology partner is responsible for the electrics and automation, including advanced automation systems and solutions for optimized production management.

“The production process will be optimized with digitalization, enhanced use of robot technology and advanced solutions for remote control to enable the highest possible level of autonomous operations enhancing occupational safety, a top priority for the project,” Primetals Head of Upstream Technologies Andreas Viehboeck says.

The secondary metallurgy equipment supplied by Primetals, consisting of a ladle furnace and RH plant, will enable Blastr to produce steel grades for the automotive sector, among other industries, according to the green steelmaker. In addition, Primetals will provide a system to treat off-gases and a plant to recover heat for the electric steel plant, ensuring efficient energy use.

The partnership also includes an Arvedi ESP thin slab casting and hot rolling line, as well as a continuous pickling and galvanizing line to produce a variety of hot-rolled steel products including coated steel sheets for various industrial applications.

“Blastr’s ultra-low CO₂ targets require technology that ensures net-zero direct CO₂ emissions from the steel production,” Blastr Chief Technology Officer Mikael Lindvall says. “The Midrex plant, featuring an electric heater as an alternative to a gas-fired reformer/heater, and the Arvedi ESP technology, which is an officially certified carbon-neutral thin-slab casting and hot-rolling process, are two key technologies needed on the path to meet our ambitiously set emission targets.”