Danieli, Leonardo and Saipem working together for the green conversion of steel

February 18, 2021 – Danieli, Leonardo and Saipem have signed a framework agreement to work together on projects both in Italy – particularly in the South – and abroad, for the sustainable conversion of energy-intensive primary plants in the steel sector by driving and integrating an Italian technological and production chain that constitutes a world-class excellence.

The three companies propose to jointly supply technologies and services aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the steel production process to create an innovative and sustainable model that is consistent with current environmental regulations and current national and EU CO2 emissions reduction objectives also in line with the CO2 reduction targets established by COP in the Paris Agreement.

The new technological solution involves replacing conventional steel production processes based on blast furnaces with a new process that will use hybrid electric powered furnaces integrated with direct iron ore reduction plants that apply a methane and hydrogen mixture to obtain a green steel with limited Green House Gas emissions.

As part of the agreement, Danieli will be the contractor for the supply of the direct reduction technological equipment and electric furnaces.

Saipem will take charge of the on-site construction of plants, integrating technologies and competences required for the natural gas, hydrogen, and CO2 capture chains.

Leonardo, through its Cyber Security Division, will take on the role of digital and security technological partner for Industry 4.0 integrated solutions aimed at safely optimizing the production processes, as well as for the protection of the physical and digital components (IT/OT/IoT/SCADA). Leonardo supports sustainable growth processes thanks to its leadership in new-generation technologies in line with its strategic plan “Be Tomorrow – Leonardo 2030”.

In addition, the proprietary Energiron technology jointly developed by Danieli and Tenova based on the direct reduction of iron ore using natural gas or natural gas enriched with hydrogen will also be integrated into the new solution.