About Hydreams

HYDREAMS focuses on the integration of clean hydrogen (H2) in steel production processes, specifically for reheating, annealing, and other furnace-based operations. 

• Hydrogen Combustion: Clean hydrogen, produced from renewable electricity and water, could replace natural gas, significantly reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry. 
• H2/O2 Combustion Technology: HYDREAMS will demonstrate the use of hydrogen oxycombustion in steel furnaces, aiming for minimal CO2 and NOx emissions, as well as increased combustion efficiency. 
• Clean Hydrogen Production: By utilizing waste heat from steel factories, the project will demonstrate the production of clean hydrogen at a cost below 2 €/kg, with the goal of achieving industrial-scale hydrogen combustion by 2030.

• Decarbonization: HYDREAMS aims to reduce CO2 emissions from steel production by integrating clean hydrogen combustion technology. 
• Demonstration and Scaling: The project will demonstrate hydrogen combustion at TRL7, providing a real-world, scalable solution for the steel industry. 
• Techno-Economic Assessment: Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of clean hydrogen technologies, focusing on the integration of H2 production and its economic viability in steel production. 

• Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen combustion offers a higher thermodynamic efficiency due to its high combustion temperature, which can optimize burner performance and reduce emissions. 
• Global Hydrogen Demand: As hydrogen prices decrease and its infrastructure expands, clean hydrogen is expected to be significantly cheaper than grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas) by 2030. 

• Combustion Optimization: The project will address the technical challenges of hydrogen combustion, such as higher flow velocities and lower residence times that could affect the heat treatment of steel. 
• NOx Emissions: One of the critical areas of focus will be minimizing NOx emissions during hydrogen combustion, a key challenge in adopting this technology. 
• Hydrogen Burners and Furnace Integration: HYDREAMS will work on optimizing burner designs and furnace configurations to ensure efficient and stable combustion, with minimal emissions. 

Scaling Clean Hydrogen in Europe

• Future Market Potential: The HYDREAMS project aims to enable the widespread adoption of hydrogen combustion technology in steel production, with a focus on annealing and reheating furnaces across Europe. 
• EU Green Steel Strategy: The project aligns with the European Commission's targets and legislation for decarbonization, promoting green steel solutions that are competitive in the European market. 
• Replicating Success: The ultimate goal is to scale the technology to over 500 production sites across 23 EU Member States, ensuring that the hydrogen combustion technology can be implemented across Europe.