DRI pilot plant at a glance: features and experimental approach

Within the HYDRA project, an open innovation platform will be created to support European steel producers toward carbon neutral production strategies. The solutions will be demonstrated through the design, installation and development of an experimental pilot line to produce steel with extensive use of hydrogen, minimizing the use of fossil fuels.

The pilot production unit is based on the installation of two pilot plants at the Castel Romano site (Rome-Italy) and includes a Direct Reduction Plant to produce direct reduced iron (DRI) and an electric arc furnace (EAF) capable of processing pre-reduced DRI for the subsequent metallurgical operations.

The general characteristics of the DRI plant, with 7 tonne/h DRI production target, from the selection of the technology to the general layout and the supporting engineering, including components and supply systems have been defined and described in the deliverable 2.2. As well as for the EAF pilot unit, the engineering activity is ongoing, and the EAF plant will be operating by early 2026.