Construction Launches Hydrogen Ironmaking Plant in Linz, Austria

Construction has commenced on a pioneering hydrogen-based ironmaking plant in Linz, Austria, marking a significant step toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions in steel production. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 25, 2025, with key figures from industry and government in attendance. This industrial-scale demonstration plant aims to produce hot briquetted iron, hot metal, and pig iron using innovative technologies developed by Primetals Technologies.

Innovative Approach to Ironmaking

The plant will utilize the Hydrogen-based Fine-Ore Reduction (HYFOR®) process, designed to operate without the need for agglomeration of iron ore fines. This method allows for the use of various ore grades, focusing primarily on low-to-medium-grade ores, which constitute a substantial portion of global iron ore supplies. The plant is projected to have a production capacity of 3 tons per hour and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027.

Herbert Eibensteiner, CEO of voestalpine AG, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “At voestalpine, we have already made a successful start on our path to the next generation of steel production. To achieve our long-term goal of net-zero CO2 emissions in steel production by 2050, we are researching new processes in collaboration with partners from industry and science.”

The HYFOR technology represents a breakthrough in the steelmaking sector, offering a viable alternative to traditional blast furnaces. This shift is crucial as the industry grapples with rising environmental concerns linked to coal-fired production methods. Dr. Alexander Fleischanderl, Chief Technology Officer at Primetals Technologies, remarked, “With today’s groundbreaking, we are taking a major step toward net-zero CO2 emissions in ironmaking.”

Collaboration and Support

The project is a collaborative effort involving Rio Tinto, a leading global mining company, which will supply 70 percent of the iron ore and provide technical support. Rafael Azevedo, General Manager of Iron Ore Sales and Marketing Atlantic at Rio Tinto, expressed optimism about the venture, stating, “It’s fantastic to see construction now underway for the Hy4Smelt industrial-scale demonstration plant in Linz… We’re helping to explore new pathways for low-emissions ironmaking.”

In addition to Rio Tinto, Mitsubishi Corporation has joined as a co-investor and strategic partner, bringing valuable expertise in materials supply and market needs to the project. This collaboration aims to enhance the future commercialization of HYFOR and the smelting technologies.

Financial backing for this transformative initiative comes from the Austrian federal government through its “Transformation of Industry” program and the European Union’s Clean Steel Partnership. These funds aim to support the development of innovative technologies that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of steel production.

As the industry faces increasing pressure to transition to more sustainable practices, the establishment of the HYFOR plant in Linz is poised to set a new standard in ironmaking. With the backing of key industry leaders and support from government initiatives, this project stands as a beacon for future advancements in green steel production.