FerrumFortis
OYAK’s Metallurgical Metamorphosis Heralds Greener Steel Ascendancy
शुक्रवार, 30 मई 2025
Synopsis: - Turkish steel producers Erdemir & Isdemir, part of the OYAK Group, have completed major industrial upgrades to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact & align with net zero goals. These projects include a revamped coke oven & Turkey’s largest blast furnace.
OYAK’s Vision for a Modern Steel Future
The OYAK Mining & Metallurgy Group, one of Turkey’s most influential industrial conglomerates, has taken a decisive leap toward sustainability & operational modernization. Its flagship companies, Erdemir and Isdemir, have successfully commissioned two landmark infrastructure projects aligned with their decarbonization roadmap. These new facilities aim to fortify Turkey’s self-reliance in steel manufacturing while reducing the carbon intensity of production. This strategic move is in response to rising global demand for cleaner, cost-effective steel and the tightening of environmental standards, especially from export markets like the European Union.
Erdemir’s Coke Oven Battery Revamped After Six Decades
At the heart of Erdemir’s upgrade lies the completely rebuilt coke oven battery No. 4. The plant, located in Zonguldak’s Ereğli region, now boasts an annual production capacity of 800,000 metric tons of coke, a key ingredient in steel production. This installation replaces Batteries No. 1 and No. 2, which had been in continuous operation since 1965. The new battery features a fully automated control system that ensures optimal heating cycles, minimized energy wastage, and consistent coke quality. The goal is to stabilize domestic coke supply, slash import dependence, and bolster economic resilience in raw material procurement.
Environmental Engineering at the Forefront
The coke oven upgrade goes beyond output, it's also a major leap in environmental management. The system incorporates high-efficiency dust collection units, next-generation filtration technology, and real-time emissions monitoring powered by AI. These features substantially cut down particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and carbon dioxide emissions. Erdemir engineers executed the full project lifecycle, from conceptualization and computer-aided design to implementation and stress testing, without reliance on foreign contractors. This is a pivotal achievement that reinforces Turkey’s indigenous industrial capabilities.
Isdemir’s Monumental Blast Furnace Debut
In Hatay’s İskenderun district, Isdemir has made headlines with the unveiling of its colossal Blast Furnace No. 1. Designed to produce 2.8 million metric tons of pig iron per year, it stands as Turkey’s largest and most technologically sophisticated blast furnace. The facility replaces the previous furnace of the same name, which was dismantled to make way for the modernized unit. Equipped with advanced heat recovery systems, optimized gas flow mechanics, and high-efficiency tuyere injection, the new furnace is expected to elevate productivity by more than 30%, while cutting energy use per ton by over 20%.
Reengineering the Furnace: Bigger, Faster, Cleaner
The newly installed blast furnace includes key structural and mechanical improvements. The number of tuyeres was doubled from 16 to 32, significantly enhancing combustion efficiency and fuel penetration. The number of iron pouring holes was quadrupled from one to four, enabling faster, smoother casting and reduced downtime. In addition, a modernized raw material charging system was introduced, which leverages variable-speed conveyors and predictive flow controls to ensure optimal furnace load balance. These refinements contribute directly to lower energy consumption and decreased emissions of CO₂ and nitrogen oxides.
A Showcase of Turkish Engineering Excellence
Both projects were delivered through a workforce primarily composed of Turkish engineers, architects, and metallurgical experts. This emphasis on national talent reflects OYAK Group’s strategy to reduce technological dependence on foreign firms while nurturing domestic industrial knowledge. The collaborative involvement of Erdemir Engineering, local universities, and regional suppliers helped accelerate timelines and tailor solutions to Turkey’s unique steel production context. This model also cuts costs and stimulates local economies by channeling project budgets into domestic industries and training programs.
$1.07 Billion Invested in 2024 Across Two Projects
Erdemir and Isdemir together invested a cumulative $1.07 billion in these infrastructure enhancements during 2024. This capital was directed not just at equipment procurement but also toward software automation, structural retrofitting, workforce training, and digital infrastructure. The companies are preparing to tap into global steel markets with increasing demand for green-certified products. They are targeting partnerships with international firms in automotive, shipbuilding, infrastructure, and aerospace sectors that now prioritize low-carbon sourcing to comply with evolving ESG regulations.
Key Takeaways
Erdemir’s new coke oven battery produces 800,000 metric tons annually with AI-powered emissions controls, replacing outdated 1960s infrastructure.
Isdemir’s Blast Furnace No. 1, now Turkey’s largest, delivers 2.8 million metric tons yearly with 4x casting speed & 20% less energy use.
OYAK Group invested $1.07 billion in 2024 to modernize its steelmaking operations & move toward net zero carbon goals.
