On February 26 and 27, 2025, the kick-off meeting of the Horizon Europe project SYRIUS (“SOEC Hydrogen Integration and Circular Use in Steelmaking Process”) took place at the project partner Acciai Speciali Terni Spa. The project is funded by the European Union and brings together leading research institutions and companies to demonstrate innovative hydrogen technologies in steel production.
The aim is to use hydrogen technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions and increase energy efficiency at the same time.
SYRIUS will integrate a 4.2 MWel Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) into an existing electric steel plant over the next 4.5 years with a funding volume of 10 million euros. The electrolyzer will produce 100 kg of green hydrogen per hour to fire a reheating furnace for steel slabs with 84 MW heating capacity and 280 t/h throughput.
An intelligent energy management system (EMS) controls the electrolyzer, hydrogen storage and two solar power systems. In addition, waste heat is used to generate steam in order to use energy more efficiently and conserve resources.
It is expected that this measure will reduce CO2 emissions from the steel heating process by 5,600 tons per year over the course of the project. SYRIUS is thus making a contribution to the EU hydrogen strategy and to the implementation of the climate neutrality targets of the Green Deal. The knowledge gained should pave the way for more sustainable steel production and strengthen the competitiveness of European industry.
The consortium is coordinated by EU CORE Consulting and consists of eleven partners from industry and research. The close cooperation ensures that both economic and technical aspects are taken into account to enable broad industrial application.
The IOB will assess the environmental and social benefits as well as the degree of circularity of the new system in relation to the installation and operating costs, which includes an evaluation of the process throughout the duration of the project. We thank all those involved for their commitment and look forward to further collaboration.