Speira's Sustainability Triumph: Converting Melting Furnace to Hydrogen Operation
Key Ideas
  • Speira successfully converts a melting furnace to hydrogen operation as part of the EU-funded HyInHeat project, showcasing promising results with no quality impact.
  • The initiative aims to decarbonize heat-intensive processes in the aluminium and steel industries, with the use of hydrogen contributing to a more environmentally friendly production process.
  • By implementing oxyfuel technology with pure oxygen instead of normal air, Speira expects a 30% fuel saving, making the process both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
  • While hydrogen combustion reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions, efforts are ongoing to minimize any potential pollutants in upcoming tests.
Speira, an aluminium recycling and rolling group, has achieved a milestone in sustainability by converting a 1.5-tonne melting furnace to hydrogen operation through the EU-funded HyInHeat project. Dr Paula Camean Queijo highlights the importance of sustainability for Speira, emphasizing the environmental benefits of incorporating hydrogen into the production process. The project, involving 30 partners from twelve European countries, focuses on decarbonizing heat-intensive processes in the aluminium and steel industries. Initial tests show that the quality of the melted metal remains high, paving the way for a reduced carbon footprint in production. By utilizing oxyfuel technology with pure oxygen, Speira anticipates a significant fuel saving of approximately 30%, enhancing both environmental and economic aspects. Despite the advantages of hydrogen combustion in curbing nitrogen oxide emissions, researchers are dedicated to further minimizing any pollutants. Speira's commitment to research and development not only propels its sustainability strategy but also contributes to enhancing Germany's innovative position in the industry. The successful conversion of the melting furnace is a crucial step towards low-emission production processes, aiming to set new sustainability standards for the entire industry.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.