Visionary Validation & Verdant Ventures: Project Milestones

Hydnum Steel’s ultra-clean steel plant in Puertollano is moving through the final phases of administrative and technical validation, setting the stage for construction to commence by the end of 2025. The firm’s Citizen Participation Plan, whose results will be shared on September 9, reflects a comprehensive effort to embed local perspectives into every facet of the project. During themed working groups and dialogue sessions held in May, local residents, businesses, & environmental groups expressed overwhelmingly positive sentiments, recognizing the project's potential to create sustainable jobs & revitalize regional industry.

Dialogue, Decarbonisation & Democratic Design: Community Involvement

The Citizen Participation Plan was structured around inclusivity and transparency, engaging a broad cross-section of Puertollano’s community. According to project spokesperson Elena Martínez, “We listened carefully to concerns about water use, air quality & employment, and have adapted design features to address them.” The process aligns with broader European trends where industrial projects are expected to integrate community feedback from inception, ensuring that economic gains also translate to social and environmental benefits.

Priority Project & PERTE Power: Strategic Backing

Recognized as a Priority Project by Castilla-La Mancha’s regional government, Hydnum Steel has attracted significant institutional support, including €60 million in funding from Spain’s PERTE programme for Industrial Decarbonisation. The World Economic Forum has also spotlighted the project as emblematic of industrial transformation in Europe, underscoring its alignment with the EU’s Fit for 55 strategy & the European Green Deal.

Futuristic Facility & Fearless Features: Technical Blueprint

The future plant will combine direct reduced iron and scrap recycling to achieve a production capacity of 1.5 million metric tons annually. By relying on renewable electricity & green hydrogen, Hydnum Steel aims to achieve near-zero emissions. An AI-powered production system will optimize energy consumption, while a closed-loop water recycling design promises to eliminate wastewater discharge, preserving Puertollano’s water resources.

Local Legacy & Labour Lift: Economic Impact

Once operational, the plant is projected to create more than 400 direct jobs & support thousands more across local suppliers, logistics & renewable energy providers. Puertollano, traditionally associated with energy & chemical industries, is poised to redefine its industrial legacy through sustainable metallurgy. The regional government anticipates that this transformation will also stimulate green technology research hubs & vocational training initiatives.

European Engagement & Ecological Ethos: Industry Voice

Hydnum Steel’s recent participation in EUROMETAL’s 75th anniversary conference in Luxembourg highlights its ambition to contribute to Europe’s broader steel transition. At the event, CEO Javier Ortega noted, “Green steel isn’t just a technology shift, it’s a commitment to intergenerational responsibility. By combining community participation with cutting-edge production, we can show the world that heavy industry and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.”

Strategic Synergy & Sustainable Strength: Broader Context

The Puertollano plant is part of a wave of new European projects aiming to decarbonize steel, a sector responsible for about 7% of global CO₂ emissions. Spain, with abundant solar and wind resources, is uniquely positioned to lead in green hydrogen-powered steel production. Hydnum Steel’s project also exemplifies a shift towards integrating digitalization, AI & circular economy principles into traditional industries, reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in raw materials & low-carbon technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• Hydnum Steel will present citizen participation findings on September 9, integrating local views into plant design.

• Backed by €60 million from Spain’s PERTE fund, the project aims to produce 1.5 million metric tons of ultra-clean steel annually.

• The facility will use renewable energy, green hydrogen & AI systems to achieve near-zero emissions, supporting regional economic transformation.