As a global market leader for complete rail infrastructure systems, we are pleased to announce a historic milestone in sustainable steel production: We have produced and delivered the world’s first hydrogen-based rail.
This innovation is part of a comprehensive research project at the Donawitz site and underscores our commitment to climate-friendly mobility solutions.
The new “green” rail consists of a mix of scrap and hydrogen-reduced pure iron produced in the HYFOR pilot plant in Donawitz. Further processing took place in our in-house research steelmaking facility, the Technikum Metallurgie (TechMet), and then in our neighboring rail rolling mill. Like all our products, this rail is characterized by exceptional hardness and high wear resistance.
Installation at Linz Central Station
The first hydrogen-based rail has already been laid at Linz Central Station – a visible sign of the transformation in steel production and rail infrastructure. With this development, we are making an active contribution to achieving our global climate goals.
As part of our greentec steel program, we are pursuing a clear roadmap for the transformation of steel production. Starting in 2027, an electric arc furnace powered by green electricity will be commissioned at each of our sites in Linz and Donawitz. Our long-term goal: steel production with net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
This email was originally published by voestalpine Railway Systems.
