Nova Hut explores possibilities for building an electric arc furnace at its plant in Ostrava

Nova Hut, which has officially controlled the former Liberty Ostrava steelworks since October 1, is considering the construction of an electric arc furnace (EAF). The project is part of a long-term strategy to modernize the plant and transition to more sustainable and energy-efficient steel production, according to Kallanish. It is currently in the technical and financial evaluation phase.

The transfer of assets to the new owner took place after approval by the Czech Antimonopoly Office and the insolvency court. The plant came under the control of the Iromet SICAV investment fund, which is owned by former Czech Interior Minister Martin Pecina. The name Nova Hut is a reference to the historical name of the company, under which it operated until its acquisition by ArcelorMittal in 2003.

After a long period of inactivity, blast furnace and coke production at the plant was finally shut down. Thus, Trinecke Zelezarny remained the only steel producer in the Czech Republic that continues to operate using blast furnace technology.

The company, which has been in bankruptcy proceedings since June 2024, is starting work with renewed vigor. At the same time, the company will have to operate in conditions of high energy costs and weak demand on the European steel market. In September, Czech and Slovak steelmakers, as well as the authorities of the Moravian-Silesian Region, presented a joint action plan to preserve the country’s steel industry, calling on the government to implement it.

Meanwhile, Nova Hut continues to produce seamless and welded pipes, hot-rolled coils, rebar, and road barriers under tolling contracts. Vítkovice Machinery Trade and Donquixote remain the suppliers of raw materials. Radek Strouhal, who previously headed Vitkovice Steel, has been appointed as the company’s CEO.

It should be recalled that the merger of SPV NH Ostrava and SPV NH Koksovna, owned by former Interior Minister Martin Pecina, submitted an application to acquire Liberty Ostrava in July this year. In October, it became known that the company was being transferred to a new owner.

Last year, Liberty Ostrava declared bankruptcy. The company operated three facilities under tolling agreements – in the fall of 2024, the production of road barriers, reinforcement bars, and seamless pipes was resumed. In February 2025, the process of selling the company began. The company traditionally produces steel for the construction, machine-building, and petrochemical industries.