ArcelorMittal starts construction of a hybrid EAF in Gijon

Global steelmaker ArcelorMittal has begun construction of a hybrid electric arc furnace (EAF) at its plant in Gijón, Spain. This project is a priority for the company in line with its ambitions to reduce CO2 emissions in Europe. This was reported by Kallanish.

The project became possible after receiving a construction license from the Gijón City Council on May 8, 2024. This was the last step required to start work.

The new EAF will enable the company to produce high value-added wire rod and open up new opportunities for the plant, especially in the long products sector with strict emission criteria.

«Maintaining our position as a leading supplier of low-carbon steel is an obvious priority for the company. In particular, the planned expansion of production at Sestao and the new EAF in Gijon will inevitably play an important role in this process,» comments ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal.

The unit’s capacity will reach 1.1 million tons of steel per year. The project will be implemented by Sarralle Group. ArcelorMittal estimates that the plant will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2026. The decarbonization program includes the construction of a 2.3 million tpa DRI plant based on environmentally friendly hydrogen, which is still awaiting final approval from the company’s board.

Last spring, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved €450 million in funding for ArcelorMittal’s decarbonization project at its Gijon plant. The allocation, which the European Commission approved in February, will support the construction of a direct reduction iron plant, with the new unit replacing two blast furnaces.