NextChem, Paul Wurth to Develop Innovative Low-carbon Solutions for Steel Industry

Maire Tecnimont Group’s subsidiary NextChem entered into a partnership with SMS Group-led Paul Wurth to develop and promote innovative low-carbon solutions in the iron and steel industry.

Paul Wurth is a SMS Group company and leading technology provider for the steel industry.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will develop an advanced technological solution to convert natural gas into synthesis gas, known as syngas, to be used during iron ore reduction.

Further, the utilisation of syngas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, will allow less fossil fuels required, thus reducing CO2 emissions in steel production process.

Commenting on the partnership, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Maire Tecnimont Group and NextChem, said “integrating electrolysis in the revamping of steel furnaces is one of the most interesting challenges nowadays. We are really proud of this agreement, which strengthens the existing alliance between Maire Tecnimont and Paul Wurth to develop low carbon impact solutions in a hard-to-abate sector like the steel industry.”

Thus, both the entities will combine their respective knowledge and expertise to study the integration of electrolysis technology into the syngas production scheme, with the aim of producing low-carbon steel at a competitive cost.

Introducing green hydrogen into the metallurgical process allows for further lowering of the volume of coke required and reduces the carbon footprint of steel plants.

“Together with a long-standing partner, we have taken another fundamental step towards carbon-neutral ironmaking. It is only by joining know-how that we can achieve a faster energy transition and the decarbonisation of the steel industry, said Thomas Hansmann, Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Paul Wurth.