Maire Tecnimont Group’s subsidiary NextChem, and Paul Wurth, a company of SMS group and leading technology provider for the steel industry, will join forces to promote the combined use of electrolysis and syngas production in the iron & steel industry.

The cooperation between NextChem and Paul Wurth is aimed at developing an advanced technological solution to convert natural gas into synthesis gas, known as syngas, to be used during iron ore reduction. The utilisation of syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) allows for the decrease in the portion of fossil fuels required, thus reducing CO₂ emissions in the hot metal production process.

On the path of the energy transition and industry decarbonisation, NextChem and Paul Wurth will combine their respective knowledge and expertise to study the integration of electrolysis technology into the syngas production scheme, with the aim of producing low-carbon steel at a competitive cost. Introducing green hydrogen into the metallurgical process allows for the further lowering of the volume of coke required and reduces the carbon footprint of steel plants.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Maire Tecnimont Group and NextChem commented: “Integrating electrolysis in the revamping of steel furnaces is one of the most interesting challenges nowadays. We are really proud of this agreement, which strengthens the existing alliance between Maire Tecnimont and Paul Wurth to develop low carbon impact solutions in a hard-to-abate sector like the steel industry.”

Thomas Hansmann, Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Paul Wurth says: “Today, together with a long-standing partner, we have taken another fundamental step towards carbon-neutral ironmaking. It is only by joining know-how that we can achieve a faster energy transition and the decarbonisation of the steel industry”.

Maire Tecnimont S.p.A.

Maire Tecnimont S.p.A., listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, heads an industrial group, which leads the global natural resource conversion market (downstream oil & gas plant engineering, with technological and executive expertise). Its subsidiary NextChem operates in the field of green chemicals and technologies in support of the energy transition. The Maire Tecnimont Group operates in approx. 45 countries, though approx. 50 operative companies and about 9,100 people. For further information: www.mairetecnimont.com.

About Paul Wurth

Headquartered in Luxembourg since its creation in 1870, the Paul Wurth Group can look back on 150 years of excellence, during which the firm has developed into an international engineering company and an established technology provider for the global ironmaking industry. As a company of SMS group, Paul Wurth is a leading market player for the design and construction of complete blast furnace and coke oven plants. Direct reduction plants, environmental protection solutions and recycling technologies complete Paul Wurth’s product portfolio. Presently, the company is focusing on the development of innovative solutions for leading the transformation of the steel industry towards carbon-free steel production.

About SMS group