Vienna: Austria has taken a major step towards decarbonising its heavy industry after steelmaker voestalpine announced that its new GreentecSteel electric steel plant in Donawitz, Styria, will begin trial operations by autumn 2026.
The project is expected to transform steel production by replacing conventional blast furnace technology with electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing carbon emissions from the manufacturing process.
According to the company, the transition is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 90 per cent by 2030, with the long-term goal of achieving carbon-neutral steel production by 2050.
Herbert Eibensteiner said the new facility will initially operate alongside the company’s existing blast furnaces using clean energy. One of the traditional blast furnaces is scheduled to be decommissioned by 2029 as part of the phased transition.
The investment comes amid growing global demand for low-carbon steel, particularly from the automotive and railway industries, where manufacturers are increasingly seeking sustainable materials to reduce their environmental footprint.
Officials say the project represents an important milestone in Austria’s broader efforts to achieve carbon neutrality while maintaining a competitive and innovative industrial sector.
