Synergistic Strategy Sparks Sustainable Steel Solutions

AMBARtec AG and Rouge H2 Engineering AG have announced a partnership focused on advancing the Chemical Looping Hydrogen process for climate-friendly steel production. The process promises to convert blast furnace gas and other steel mill gases into clean hydrogen and concentrated CO₂, which can be captured or used. “Our collaboration aims to optimise the process for blast furnace gases and implement it in steelworks,” stated Uwe Pahl, Chief Technology Officer at AMBARtec.

Converging Competencies Create Climate-Conscious Chemistry

This pioneering process uses iron oxide to trigger chemical reactions, separating hydrogen and CO₂ from carbon-rich steel gases. Known as the steam-iron method, it cycles iron oxide through reduction and oxidation to produce high-purity hydrogen. Uwe Pahl emphasised, “This gives the steel industry the chance to make its production more climate-friendly without having to invest heavily in converting the entire process chain.”

Concentrated Carbon Capture Cultivates Competitive Continuity

The highly concentrated CO₂ generated can either be stored under CCS or reused through CCU, turning a waste gas into valuable material. AMBARtec noted that successful large-scale rollout depends on updates to the CCS Act to allow steel plants to store CO₂. “This will ensure that steel production in Europe remains competitive despite the stringent climate protection requirements,” added Pahl.

Cooperative Commitment Combines Complementary Capabilities

Matthias Rudloff, CEO of AMBARtec, highlighted how this partnership blends AMBARtec’s expertise in iron oxide nuggets and plant operation with Rouge H2 Engineering’s strength in processing residual gases. “We are combining our expertise with the knowledge of our colleagues at Rouge H2 Engineering,” he explained, signalling a shared vision for industrial decarbonisation.

Carbon-Conscious Collaboration Catalysed by Continental Consortium

The cooperation is supported by the EU’s H2Loop project, which funds innovation for hydrogen-based industrial transformation. Together, the partners aim to reduce steelmaking’s carbon footprint without major plant overhauls, thus keeping costs down and progress swift. Their target is a commercially viable process ready for real-world steel mills.

Chemical Conversion Counters Conventional Carbon Challenges

By extracting hydrogen from blast furnace gas, the process not only provides green fuel but also limits CO₂ emissions. The hydrogen can be reused within the steel mill, further lowering fossil fuel demand. The CO₂, now captured in high purity, becomes simpler to store or convert into products, closing the carbon loop.

Continental Commitment Champions Climate-Conscious Competitiveness

If successful, this method may transform European steelworks into leaders in low-emission production, protecting jobs and competitiveness. Uwe Pahl underlined, “Without the need for expensive conversion, steel production can remain both green and economically strong,” summarising the project’s broader impact.

Key Takeaways

• AMBARtec & Rouge H2 Engineering team up to develop the Chemical Looping Hydrogen process.

• The method converts steel mill gases into clean hydrogen & concentrated CO₂.

• Success could keep European steel production climate-friendly & competitive.