PR89992

ROME, June 8, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Maire Tecnimont Group's subsidiary NextChem, and Paul Wurth, a company of the

SMS Group and leading technology provider for the steel industry, will join

forces to promote the combined use of electrolysis and syngas production in the

iron and steel industry.

The cooperation between NextChem and Paul Wurth is aimed at developing an

advanced technological solution to convert natural gas into synthesis gas, known

as syngas, to be used during iron ore reduction. The utilisation of syngas (a

mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) allows for the decrease in the portion

of fossil fuels required, thus reducing CO2 emissions in steel production

process.

On the path of the energy transition and industry decarbonisation, NextChem and

Paul Wurth will combine their respective knowledge and expertise to study the

integration of electrolysis technology into the syngas production scheme, with

the aim of producing low-carbon steel at a competitive cost. Introducing green

hydrogen into the metallurgical process allows for the further lowering of the

volume of coke required and reduces the carbon footprint of steel plants.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Maire Tecnimont Group and NextChem commented:

"Integrating electrolysis in the revamping of steel furnaces is one of the most

interesting challenges nowadays. We are really proud of this agreement, which

strengthens the existing alliance between Maire Tecnimont and Paul Wurth to

develop low carbon impact solutions in a hard-to-abate sector like the steel

industry."

Thomas Hansmann, Chief Technology and Operations Officer of Paul Wurth says:

"Today, together with a long-standing partner, we have taken another fundamental

step towards carbon-neutral ironmaking. It is only by joining know-how that we

can achieve a faster energy transition and the decarbonisation of the steel

industry".

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1390855/NextChem_Logo.jpg

E mediarelations@nextchem.it [mailto:mediarelations@nextchem.it],

mediarelations@mairetecnimont.it [mailto:mediarelations@mairetecnimont.it]

Source: NextChem