voestalpine produces the world’s first hydrogen-based rail

voestalpine has produced the world’s first hydrogen-based rail at its Donawitz site as part of a pilot project.

The “green” rail consists of a mix of scrap and hydrogen-reduced pure iron, which was produced in the HYFOR pilot plant in Donawitz.

The raw material was melted down in the company’s own TechMet research steelworks in Donawitz and then processed into the finished rail in the neighbouring rail rolling mill.

Like all rails produced by voestalpine, the hydrogen-based rail is particularly hard and highly wear-resistant. The first rail of this type has now been laid at Linz Central Station.

Image ©voestalpine

As the global market leader for railway infrastructure systems, voestalpine Railway Systems supplies track systems, turnout systems, and signalling technology for renowned international railway projects.

They offer both the “hardware” (rails, turnouts, mountings, and sleepers) as well as the “software” in the form of signalling technology and fully digital monitoring applications for the entire railroad line and train from a single source.

Now, with the production and delivery of the world’s first hydrogen-based rail, voestalpine is setting new benchmarks in sustainable steel production as part of a research project. 

Herbert Eibensteiner, CEO of voestalpine AG, said: “The production of the world’s first hydrogen-reduced rail at our Donawitz site is a historic milestone.

“With greentec steel, we are pursuing a clear phased plan to transform our steel production.

“Starting in 2027, one green-powered electric arc furnace will be put into operation at each of our sites in Linz and Donawitz.

“Our long-term goal by 2050 is net-zero CO2 emissions in steel production. To this end, we are already conducting research into several new processes and investing in pilot and presentation projects that demonstrate new steel production possibilities.”

Hydrogen-based steel production uses — ideally green — hydrogen from renewable energy sources to separate oxygen from iron ore.

Unlike conventional methods, this process does not generate CO2, only water vapour as a by-product.

The hydrogen-reduced pure iron was produced in the HYFOR pilot plant, and the melt was carried out in the company’s proprietary research facility Technikum Metallurgie (TechMet), a one-of-a-kind miniature full-scale steelwork. 

Franz Kainersdorfer, Head of the Metal Engineering Division and Member of the Management Board of voestalpine AG, added: “The production of high-quality, CO2-reduced steel grades is one of the biggest technological challenges in the transition to green steel production.

“As the world’s leading provider of complete railway infrastructure systems, our mission is to create sustainable and trendsetting solutions for the mobility of tomorrow.”

For more information, visit www.voestalpine.com.