METHOD FOR PRODUCING STEEL AND SPONGE IRON MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Abstract

The present invention concerns a process and a configuration for producing steel, whereby iron ore oxide material (5) is reduced with a reducing agent (H) in a direct reduction facility (7). The reducing agent (H) is produced by electrolysis of water by means of an electrolysis unit (17). The electric energy necessary for the electrolysis comprises re-generative energy, which is derived from hydropower and/or wind power and/or photovoltaic or other re-generative energy forms (2). The intermediate product (RM) is produced independently of the current demand, if sufficient reducing agent is available. An iron ore oxide material (5) holding thermal energy is charged into the direct reduction facility (7). The thermal energy originates from an iron ore oxide material provider device, such as an iron ore oxide material production unit (3) or a pre- heating apparatus (4). The reducing agent (H) reacts with the iron ore oxide material (5) for reducing the iron ore oxide material (5) into the intermediate product (RM) by utilizing the thermal energy of the iron ore oxide material (5).

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