Liberty inks deal to build EAF in Hungary

Market: Metals
17/05/24

Liberty Dunaujvaros, the Hungarian arm of Liberty Steel, has signed an agreement with Chinese state-owned engineering company CISDI to build a 1.5mn t/yr capacity electric arc furnace (EAF) at the site of the Dunaferr steelworks in Hungary.

A feasibility study for the project has been completed after an initial partnership was formed between the two companies in September last year.

"The contract is essential for Liberty Dunaujvaros' green steel transformation, which includes the installation of a modern EAF as well as the secondary metallurgy and hot strip mill upgrade required to allow the business to deliver high-value products for the automotive sector in Hungary," Liberty said.

The steelmaker has not revealed timings for the project but Liberty is planning to produce carbon neutral green steel by 2030.

Lberty announced in 2022 the purchase of a South Korean electric arc furnace and strip mill that would be shipped to its Galati site. The plant, which has a nameplate capacity of 3mn t/yr, is still in South Korea.

The two blast furnaces situated at the Dunaferr steelworks are currently idled, with one of the two damaged beyond repair. Slab is currently being sourced externally, to produce reduced quantities of hot-rolled coil and other flat products.

Liberty also this week announced that it is looking to recapitalise or divest its main European rolling lines. The lines in question include production assets located in Belgium, Dudelange in Luxembourg and Piombino, Italy.

By Carlo Da Cas

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