Swiss Steel tests hydrogen-based decarbonization in steel production
Initial pilot trials conducted on 13 different steel grades revealed no structural changes or loss of material integrity, marking a significant step forward in the decarbonization of one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.
Launched in April 2023 with support from the EU, HYDREAMS is the first large-scale program in the steel sector to investigate the use of hydrogen in both heating and annealing furnaces, utilizing both pulsating and flame burners.
Laurent Sieye, Sustainability Director at Ugitech, a subsidiary of Swiss Steel Group, stated: “Replacing natural gas with hydrogen in heat treatment is still in its early stages. It carries potential risks, including increased NOx emissions and possible negative impacts on steel quality and the lifespan of refractory materials in furnaces.”
The company plans to validate the findings using three industrial testing units by 2026. DEMO 3, which became operational in March 2025, is preparing for pilot trials this summer. DEMO 1 and DEMO 2, targeting other product types such as ingots and plates, are expected to be commissioned in 2026. These pilot applications build on earlier lab-scale tests and CFD simulations aimed at evaluating flame behavior, heat transfer, and exhaust gas composition under hydrogen combustion.
Swiss Steel to withdraw from stock exchange
Swiss Steel Holding has announced its voluntary intention to delist from the SIX Swiss Exchange, Kallanish notes from a statement by the producer.
Given the company’s small free float, Swiss Steel plans to apply for an off-exchange trading opportunity for the company’s shares, it said on Friday.
The group over recent years has undergone significant restructuring and reorganisation efforts, resulting in a shareholder structure characterised by a small number of large, long-term investors. Consequently, the SIX-listed shares have a low free float and limited trading volume, leading to an illiquid market for the company’s shares, the group explains.
The main stakeholders are GravelPoint Holding with 65.75%, PCS Holding with 10.11%; and Liwet Holding with 12.85%.
The supervisory board has determined that the benefits of maintaining a listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange are outweighed by the comparatively high costs and administrative efforts required to sustain it. The voluntary delisting will allow Swiss Steel to allocate resources more effectively toward restructuring and operational improvements, it says.
If the delisting is approved by an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, the board will proceed with the delisting.
Christian Koehl Germany
SKF decarbonises production using Austrian and Swiss Steel
European roller bearings producer SKF and voestalpine Wire Technology have produced the first prototype bearing made from steel that contains hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H-DRI).
SKF and voestalpine have been working together since 2022 to explore the possibilities of using H-DRI steel for bearing applications, Kallanish hears from the Sweden-based company. The spherical roller bearing prototype was handed over to voestalpine Wire Technology at SKF’s factory in Steyr, Austria. Spherical roller bearings can be used in many different applications and industries, such as marine, pulp and paper production, mining and construction.
“Steel is a critical raw material in bearings, and to achieve the change and speed needed in decarbonising bearing production, the whole industry must come together,” says SKF chief technology officer Annika Ölme.
SKF recently announced it also started sourcing low-carbon steel from Swiss Steel. Since the beginning of the year, Swiss Steel has been delivering its GreenSteel Climate+ brand made at German unit Deutsche Edelstahlwerke (DEW) exclusively to SKF.
Christian Koehl Germany
Swiss Steel discusses industry transformation and future plans
In a recent interview with marketSTEEL, Frank Koch, CEO of Swiss Steel Holding AG, highlighted the company’s pivotal role in transforming the steel industry.
Koch emphasized that the Swiss Steel Group is leading the charge in sustainability by focusing on reducing its carbon footprint through innovative technologies. Notably, the company offers green steel with a CO2 footprint 83% lower than the global industry average, showcasing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Koch also addressed the ongoing restructuring efforts within the Group, particularly in Germany, where high energy costs pose significant challenges. To mitigate these, the company is implementing more efficient energy systems and exploring alternative energy sources to optimize production and reduce costs.
Looking ahead, Koch outlined the Group’s future as one driven by innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity. Key initiatives include advancing scrap recycling processes, particularly in their Uginè, France site, and intensifying research and development to create environmentally friendly products that meet customer needs. Koch expressed confidence that these strategies will ensure the company’s continued success and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders.
The interview underscores Swiss Steel Group’s commitment to leading the industry’s transformation towards a more sustainable and customer-focused future.
Read more: marketsteel.com
