Salzgitter AG has taken a major step toward decarbonizing steel production with the foundation-laying of a 100 MW electrolysis plant for green hydrogen. Once operational in 2026, the facility will produce 9,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, fueling Salzgitter’s SALCOS® (Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking) initiative to achieve near-zero emissions in steel manufacturing.
Accelerating the Hydrogen Economy
“Today’s groundbreaking marks another key milestone in our SALCOS® program,” said Gerd Baresch, Technical Director at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH. “The transformation to low-carbon steel production is progressing on schedule. Now, policymakers must support the hydrogen economy with competitive grid costs and regulatory clarity.”
The electrolysis plant, developed by ANDRITZ in partnership with HydrogenPro, will be built under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract, utilizing pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology.
“We are proud to contribute to the shift towards climate-friendly steel with this 100 MW electrolysis plant,” said Sami Pelkonen, Executive Vice President, Green Hydrogen at ANDRITZ. “This project aligns perfectly with our long-term strategy focused on decarbonization and supporting industries in their green transformation.”
A Multi-Phase Green Steel Initiative
The SALCOS® program is being implemented in stages, integrating a direct reduction plant, an electric arc furnace, and the new hydrogen production facility. Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH plans to launch its first low-carbon steel products in 2026, with the full transition to virtually CO₂-free steelmaking set for completion by 2033.
