The brief

Analyst view

• ThyssenKrupp Steel is a global producer, part of ThyssenKrupp Group (founded 1999 from Thyssen AG and Krupp merger).
• Duisburg DRI plant avoids 3.5 Mt CO2/year when operational; backed by €2B German federal and state co-funding.
• SMS Group (€1.8B contract) builds the plant using Midrex Flex; commissioning end-2026 with natural gas, hydrogen from late 2027.

Technical approach

As reported

Direct reduction

Midrex Flex H2-capable DRI plant

Midrex Flex DRI unit runs on natural gas (2026) or hydrogen (2027+). Hot DRI feeds immediately to melting furnaces for efficiency.

Melting

Two innovative melting furnaces

Melting furnaces adjacent to DRI convert hot DRI to molten iron without cooling, saving energy.

Hydrogen source

External green hydrogen procurement

Ramp-up uses natural gas. Long-term sources green hydrogen from external suppliers as German hydrogen network develops.