Carbon is replaced by hydrogen
In so-called direct reduction plants, or "DRP" for short, carbon is greatly simplified and replaced by hydrogen. As the hydrogen required is mainly produced from natural gas, such plants have so far only been used in countries with low-cost natural gas deposits. These can be found, for example, in the Middle East, the USA and Russia.
The framework conditions for SALCOS are manifold. For one thing, there are the political conditions such as the climate targets of the European Union or the aforementioned trade in rights, the demands of society or the needs of employees and responsibility for the region. Of course, SALCOS must also fit in with its own "sustainability concepts and economic criteria".
Above all, however, the technical feasibility and the examination of how the new plants can be integrated into the existing steel mill are major issues. Last but not least, a continuation in the international competitive environment must also be guaranteed.