On February 12, the cornerstone was laid for one of the largest production plants for green H₂ in the whole of Europe. Starting from 2026, the plant will generate around 9,000 tpy of green H₂ to be used for the production of carbon-reduced steel. This will mark the start of the industrial use of H₂ in SALCOS^® - Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking. SALCOS is aiming for virtually carbon-free steel production. The 100-MW electrolysis plant will be supplied on an EPC basis by the international technology company ANDRITZ, using the pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology of HydrogenPro.

Gerd Baresch, Technical Director of Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, explained, “Today's spades in the ground represent a further major step in our SALCOS program. This shows that the transformation of our company to low-carbon steel production is progressing on schedule. With this system for onsite H₂ production, we are fulfilling our side of the bargain. The onus is now on governments to create suitable framework conditions for green production. The priorities here are competitive grid costs and a commitment to building the H₂ economy.”

Sami Pelkonen, Executive Vice President, Green H₂ at ANDRITZ , added, “We are very proud to be making a contribution to the conversion to climate-friendly steel with the laying of the cornerstone today for our 100-MW electrolysis plant. Our extensive experience in the construction of major plants provides us with a solid foundation for realizing this innovative project. It fits perfectly with our long-term growth strategy which is focused on decarbonization and supports our customers such as Salzgitter in mastering their green transformation.”

SALCOS is being realized in stages and it consists of a direct reduction plant, an electric arc furnace (both already under construction) and the 100-MW electrolysis plant for the production of H₂. Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH will launch products using the new route on the market as early as 2026. Conversion to virtually carbon-free steel production at the Salzgitter facility is due to be completed by 2033.