LIBERTY Ostrava has been permitted by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Environment to use hybrid technology in a bid to become carbon neutral by 2030.
The Ministry approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) proposal for the company to install new low-carbon technologies in its steelmaking operations. Four tandem furnaces, currently in operation, will be replaced by two hybrid furnaces, which will maintain LIBERTY’s 3.5mn mt of annual crude steel production.
The two hybrid furnaces—the first of their kind in the EU—will replace the existing furnaces by the end of 2022 and are expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 50pc, and particulate emissions by 66pc. The hybrid technology will enable the site to either switch between an electric arc furnace and blast furnace, or use a blended combination, depending on changing market conditions—especially with regards to raw materials.
The second phase, which will be completed by 2025, involves the installation of a high-voltage power line to abet full use of the hybrid technology and, when needed, produce steel wholly from scrap.
The technology will turn LIBERTY Ostrava into a green steel producer and give the company greater product flexibility, as well as ensure its long-term competitiveness, said Pascal Genest, chief executive officer of LIBERTY Ostrava.