German steel manufacturer Salzgitter AG has officially broken ground on its 100MW electrolysis plant in Germany, constructed by Austrian equipment supplier Andritz. The plant is expected to begin operations in 2026, producing approximately 9,000 tons of hydrogen annually.

This facility is a key component of Salzgitter’s SALCOS® program, which aims to drive low-carbon steel production. The program includes the construction of a direct reduction plant and an electric arc furnace, both currently under development. The hydrogen plant will play a crucial role in supporting this transition.

Through this initiative, Salzgitter aims to gradually shift towards near-zero carbon steel production, with the goal of achieving full carbon-free steel production by 2033.