Germany – ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt will construct a pilot electrolysis plant and a hydrogen filling station on the plant site in collaboration with energy supplier Vulkan Energiewirtschaft Oderbrücke (VEO), a joint venture between the city of Eisenhüttenstadt and ArcelorMittal, and McPhy Energy.
The unique demonstration project includes the delivery of two McLyzer electrolyzers with a combined output of one megawatt (MW). A long-term 5-year servicing contract was also agreed upon. As part of the regional innovation cluster, the state of Brandenburg is sponsoring the project with 5.1 million euros.
The electrolyzers will generate hydrogen for use directly in steel manufacturing. The hydrogen will be used first in the cold rolling mill. Some of the hydrogen produced is utilised to refill forklifts or trucks at the hydrogen filling station. The oxygen produced during electrolysis will also be utilised in production, like as in the hot rolling mill.
Improving energy efficiency
Another goal is to improve the total energy efficiency of the manufacturing facility by putting newly developed smart operating modes to the test in real-world applications. They should allow for the best combination of software and hardware to improve system performance, similar to how software is improved in aeroplanes by applying an intelligent strategy to govern aircraft functions.
The Brandenburgische Technische Universität (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg is providing scientific support for the project by examining data from hydrogen use at the demonstration plant in order to increase efficiency and help future electrolyzer development.
