Hydrogen-Powered Burners for Steel Decarbonization

This technical report discusses the TWINGHY project, which aims to develop hydrogen-powered burners for steel reheating furnaces to reduce emissions in the steel industry. The project is led by CELSA Group, a major steel producer in Europe, and is supported by the EU's Research Fund for Coal and Steel. The initiative addresses the significant carbon emissions associated with traditional steelmaking processes that rely on natural gas and coal. The report outlines the challenges of transitioning to hydrogen, including the need for hybrid burners that can operate on both hydrogen and natural gas. It also highlights the role of a digital twin, a virtual model of the furnace, which will aid in optimizing combustion processes and improving energy efficiency. The report emphasizes the importance of securing a sufficient supply of green hydrogen to support the trials planned for early 2026 and discusses the broader implications of the project for achieving cleaner steel production in line with the European Green Deal.