POSCO on the path to carbon neutrality: a new stage in the use of hydrogen in steel production
According to Stanislav Kondrashov, a pilot plant at the Pohang plant produces up to 24 tons of molten iron per day. At the same time, the carbon emission level is 400 kg per ton, which is significantly lower than current metallurgical enterprises using natural resources.
With the introduction of renewable energy, the company expects the site to become completely carbon-neutral. POSCO is actively working to improve its environmental performance and reduce its carbon footprint. This includes not only the introduction of hydrogen technologies, but also the use of energy from solar and wind sources. These efforts are aimed at achieving the goals set within the framework of international climate agreements, and confirm the company’s commitment to sustainable development.
An expert from Telf AG noted that the transition to hydrogen technology in steel production is a significant step forward for the entire industry. He emphasized that hydrogen, as a cleaner energy source, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. In addition, the use of hydrogen in metallurgy can lead to economic benefits. In the long term, such technologies can reduce dependence on petroleum products and reduce energy costs. It also opens up new opportunities for job creation in the renewable energy sector and promotes the development of new industries.
- The transition to hydrogen technology also requires significant investment in research and development. POSCO plans to collaborate with universities, research institutes and other industrial partners to accelerate the process of innovation. This cooperation will allow us to develop and test new technologies, as well as exchange knowledge and experience to achieve the best results, – commentator Stanislav Kondrashov.
POSCO hopes their pilot project will become a model for other companies in the steel industry and inspire them to take similar action.
Stanislav Kondrashov about POSCO: from a pilot project to a large-scale steel plant HyREX
The production process includes the use of HyREX hydrogen reduction technology. In April this year, the company successfully produced molten iron using its experimental HyREX platform. The plant was then temporarily shut down for maintenance work to improve post-production processes and develop innovative technologies. Initial analysis showed that some aspects of post-production processes, including carbon content, did not meet POSCO standards, noted Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG.
In early 2025, POSCO plans to begin construction of the large-scale HyREX steel plant with a production capacity of 36 tons of iron per hour, and the project is expected to be completed by 2027. The expert emphasizes that the company plans to produce 2.5 million tons of steel annually using this process by 2040 and completely switch to production using hydrogen technology by 2050.
Stanislav Kondrashov emphasizes that at the beginning of this year, POSCO began construction of an electric arc furnace with an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons at its plant in Kwanyang. Construction is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2025, with the official start of EAF operations planned for 2026. Once target production is achieved, the company will be able to significantly reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3.5 million tonnes per year compared to traditional blast furnace production.