In conversation with ... Primetals

A Technology Powerhouse from Linz: Primetals Technologies—International Success and Local Responsibility

Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH is a globally active technology company that sees itself as an innovation leader in plant engineering and a technology powerhouse. Vanessa Böttcher-Hofmann and Patrick Kastl from the City of Linz’s Department of Economy and Innovation met with Dr. Alexander Fleischanderl, CTO and Head of Green Steel at Primetals Technologies, for a discussion on innovation, the sustainable iron and steel industry, and the Linz location.

Linz as an innovation hub and international magnet

Dr. Fleischanderl reports: “Primetals Technologies has its roots in voestalpine and is characterized by a strong connection to the Linz location. Although most projects are international, Linz remains the innovation hub from which many developments are brought to the world.”

The workforce is international: 1,800 employees from 38 nations work here, and the company language is English. This diversity is challenging, but also a source of pride, as it enables us to optimally staff all disciplines and drive innovation forward.

Pioneering Work for Better Air: The MEROS System

Primetals also played a leading role in the positive improvement of air quality in the Linz area. “In response to high emissions from the sintering plant, Primetals Technologies developed MEROS® technology—a highly innovative process for multi-component flue gas cleaning that requires no Danube or industrial water.

“The plant, built in Linz in 2007, significantly fell below the limit values and continues to operate successfully to this day,” explains Fleischanderl. The technology has been implemented internationally at 14 large-scale plants, thereby also making a difference on a global scale. MEROS® thus not only reduces emissions but also improves the quality of life for urban residents, as steel mills are often located near cities.

The Future of Green Steel Production: The Hy4Smelt Project

To ensure that the iron and steel industry is prepared for the future and that Linz remains a leading hub, Primetals is already presenting forward-looking solutions today. “The Hy4Smelt project in Linz is the world’s first hydrogen-based fluidized-bed direct reduction plant. Here, fine iron ore is reduced directly to sponge iron using 100% green hydrogen without any further pretreatment and then processed in an electrified smelting process. The goal is to produce virtually CO₂-neutral iron and to massively reduce energy and water consumption compared to the current state of the art,” says Fleischanderl, describing this groundbreaking project.

“Hy4Smelt” is a combination of two technologies (HYFOR® and Smelter) from Primetals and forms the basis for Austria’s largest climate protection development project, which is being built on the premises of and in partnership with voestalpine. Commissioning of the industrial demonstration plant is planned for the end of 2027.

Linz: Industrial Hub and Innovation Hub

Linz is regarded as the industrial heart of Austria. Thanks in particular to its proximity to voestalpine, a leading iron and steel producer, as well as its university landscape—including JKU—and research institutions, Linz remains “the place to be”—now and in the future.

Fleischanderl notes: “The innovative atmosphere, the proximity to startups and institutions such as SCCH Hagenberg or the Tabakfabrik, as well as the economically and politically stable environment, offer ideal conditions.” According to the CTO, Linz is also Primetals’ global innovation hub—where more than 50% of the company’s worldwide innovation output is generated—thanks to the favorable conditions for R&D.

Focus on People Despite AI Optimizations

To remain competitive, the company is focusing specifically on increasing productivity through the use of artificial intelligence and automation, without, however, wanting to do away with people. “The goal is to gradually implement autonomous systems and train employees for meaningful tasks.

While AI takes over repetitive tasks, personal communication with customers and stakeholders remains central,” says Fleischanderl. Decisions and creative processes should continue to be in human hands. In this way, Primetals Technologies aims to remain at the forefront through innovation and digitalization and actively shape the future.

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