In a recent announcement Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: CLF), achieved landmark success by concluding a hydrogen injection trial at its Indiana Harbor #7 Blast Furnace. This initiative is a leap forward in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and showcases the company’s commitment to sustainable practices in steel manufacturing.
Pioneering Hydrogen Technology in Steel Production
Hydrogen technology heralds a new era in steel production, offering a greener alternative to traditional carbon-intensive methods. Cleveland-Cliffs has positioned itself at the forefront of this revolution, demonstrating an innovative approach to steel production that aligns with global decarbonization goals.
At Indiana Harbor #7, the largest blast furnace in North America and a behemoth in global terms, Cleveland-Cliffs exhibited the technical capability to transition towards more sustainable manufacturing methods. The use of hydrogen as a reductant and fuel source not only contributes to a significant decrease in carbon footprint but also upholds the production quality of high-end steels crucial for the automotive industry and other sectors.
The Successful Trial – A Step Toward Greener Steel
This successful trial at Indiana Harbor represented the second application of hydrogen injection by Cleveland-Cliffs, following a similar accomplishment at Middletown Works earlier in May 2023. The company’s proactive approach underscores its strategic emphasis on innovation and sustainable growth.
Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President, and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, expressed pride in the company’s achievements. ‘We are ahead of the curve in using cutting-edge technology to decarbonize,’ he said, highlighting the company’s leading position in generating the cleanest steel via the blast furnace route.
A Strong Partnership Paves the Way
Cleveland-Cliffs’ successful commissioning of the hydrogen pipeline at Indiana Harbor was achieved ahead of schedule and within budget, emphasizing the company’s efficient project execution. The trial was made possible by the collaboration with Linde, a key partner providing the requisite hydrogen gas supply. This partnership is integral to Cleveland-Cliffs’ ongoing endeavors to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations.
