Hydnum Steel has presented to the Industry Commission of the Congress of Deputies its ambitious project to transform the steel industry in Spain and Europe, building the first plant in the Iberian Peninsula that will operate without fossil fuels, using renewable energy and green hydrogen. A decisive and pioneering step towards the total decarbonization of steel, an industry that represents 9% of CO2 emissions globally. “Another way of producing steel is possible,” said Eva Maneiro, CEO of Hydnum. “Our objective is clear: to manufacture green steel, completely free of emissions and without discharges into the environment,” he added. The new plant, located in Puertollano, will be a model of water sustainability thanks to its pioneering wastewater reuse system. “We are going to demonstrate that it is possible to produce steel without compromising the future of the planet, taking care of every drop of water,” he added.
This extraordinary session was attended by Inés Granollers, president of the Industry and Tourism Commission of the Congress of Deputies, as well as members of the Board, spokespersons and members of the Commission, who requested the appearance of Hydnum Steel to learn about all the details of this project.
A commitment to decarbonization
The Hydnum Steel plant will be one of the first green steel factories in Europe, an example of how technology can merge with sustainability to reduce the environmental impact of a key industry. In addition, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has recognized Hydnum Steel as one of the five most innovative projects globally in the race to decarbonize steel production. The initiative comes at a crucial time, when demand for emissions-free steel is booming and European policies demand a drastic reduction in the carbon footprint of sectors such as the automotive industry. According to forecasts, Europe will need to produce up to 30 million tons of green steel by 2030, “a challenge that can only be taken on by those who invest now in innovation and sustainability,” said Maneiro. “The transformation of the steel industry is not only possible, but essential. We have to decide if we want to continue being part of the problem or commit to being part of the solution,” he added.
Hydnum Steel, with an estimated production capacity of two and a half million tons of flat steel per year, will avoid the emission of almost five million tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of all vehicles in a large city like Madrid.
Technological innovation and water sustainability
One of the most innovative features of Hydnum Steel will be the use of the Digital Twin developed together with Siemens, a strategic partner of the project, which will allow all aspects of the production process to be optimized in real time, improving energy efficiency and reducing resource consumption. This makes the plant not only a benchmark for sustainability, but also a model of productive efficiency. But Hydnum’s commitment is not limited to eliminating emissions. The plant will be a pioneer in water management, using advanced technology to treat and reuse gray and wastewater, completely eliminating discharges into the environment. “The steel industry has traditionally been a large consumer of water, but at Hydnum Steel we are going to change that reality,” explained Maneiro. “We want our plant to be a benchmark in water sustainability, which means not only producing steel cleanly, but also doing so without compromising water resources.”
An economic and social impact in the heart of Spain
The location of the plant in Puertollano is not coincidental. The region, with a solid industrial infrastructure, is already a strategic node for the production of green hydrogen and renewable energies, key elements for the success of the project. In addition, the plant will create more than 1,000 direct jobs and around 5,000 indirect jobs, revitalizing an area with a high unemployment rate, especially among young people. “The economic impact will be significant,” said Maneiro. “This project will not only transform the steel industry, but will also drive the reindustrialization of a key region, attracting foreign investment and encouraging the development of new clean technologies.” In addition, the plant has the support of the Government of Castilla-La Mancha, which has declared it a Priority Project, recognizing its strategic importance both locally and nationally. Spain, leader in green hydrogen and renewable energies In his speech, Maneiro also highlighted Spain’s role as a leader in green hydrogen and renewable energies internationally. “A few weeks ago we participated in a green steel fair in Dubai and the perception about Spain was clear: we are at the forefront of the adoption of green hydrogen as a source of clean energy,” he said.
This leadership, he stressed, is a competitive advantage that positions Spain on the global map of the energy transition. Hydnum Steel will not only contribute to reducing the steel deficit in Europe, but will also position Spain as a benchmark in sustainable steel production in a market where demand continues to grow. This international recognition reaffirms the importance of continuing to invest in projects like Hydnum, which not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also on Europe’s energy and industrial autonomy.
Institutional support and the need to act now
Maneiro concluded his speech by making a clear appeal: “The time to act is now.” Thus, he has highlighted the importance of institutional and financial support so that the project can start in 2025 and has highlighted the need to join forces with other strategic actors to secure the necessary financing. Hydnum Steel, he indicated, is more than a steel plant: “It is a key project for the industrial and energy independence of Europe, and for the decarbonization of one of the most polluting sectors on the planet.” “We are convinced that this project will not only transform the steel industry, but will also contribute to protecting our planet for future generations,” concluded Maneiro, making it clear that the company is ready to lead the change towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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