Tata Steel Nederland, one of the largest steel producers in Europe, selected Tenova, one of the leading companies specializing in sustainable solutions for the metals and mining industries, to develop a new state-of-the-art steel production line in IJmuiden, the Netherlands.
In 2023, Tata Steel Nederland launched their current Green Steel Plan, an ambitious initiative to transform the production of liquid steel to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of the IJmuiden site. The project is based on the installation of a Direct Reduction Plant (DRP) and a new steelmaking line that will replace the largest blast furnace on the site (BF7) and one of the coke-making plants (KGF2).
In line with the Green Steel Plan, in 2023, Tata Steel Nederland decided to elect a steel production line based on an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), conducting a comprehensive tender process for the selection of the OEM. Their final decision took into account the environmental and overall emission performances of the equipment proposed by the various suppliers, alongside their contractual time schedule and cost. As a result, Tata Steel Nederland awarded Tenova a partial order for the basic engineering (currently in progress).
The overall contract will include engineering, supply, and advisory services for a three million tons Electric Arc Furnace equipped with Consteel® and Consteerrer®, the electromagnetic stirrer developed through an exclusive global partnership with ABB. It will also comprise the secondary metallurgy facilities (Ladle Furnaces and RH vacuum degassers) required to refine the liquid metal from the EAF to the quality needed to meet current operational specifications (high-quality steel for the automotive sector). The production equipment will be complemented by a range of innovative technologies aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of the new plant, including an innovative Fumes Treatment Plant, a Waste Energy Recovery System, and a Dry Slag Granulation Unit. ENERGIRON®, jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli, was already selected last year as the technology for the Direct Reduction Plant.
“Tenova’s strategy of focusing on cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies is paying off with customers like Tata Steel Nederland who are aligned with our priorities. From the outset of negotiations, our teams have worked with mutual esteem, resulting in a smooth cooperation and full agreement on technical and contractual aspects. We are honored to be part of Tata Steel Nederland’s investment plan and to accelerate its path to decarbonization”, said Paolo Argenta, EVP for the Tenova Upstream Business Unit.
“The demand for steel continues to grow, with an increasing need for recycled and sustainably produced steel,” said Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel Nederland. “Due to our location on the North Sea, we are in one of the best locations to make the transition to a more responsible steel production – clean, green, and more circular. And we are working hard to realize that ambition. At the same time, we recognize the call to further minimize the impact of our company on the immediate living environment at an accelerated pace.”
