Jacobs has been selected as program and construction management (PMCM) partner for thyssenkrupp Steel’s $2.5bn effort to decarbonize its steel mill in Duisburg, Germany. 

According to thyssenkrupp, the effort represents one of the largest industrial decarbonization projects worldwide. 

The project encompasses a new process using green hydrogen for iron reduction, replacing traditional coal-powered blast furnaces with hydrogen-powered electric smelters. 

When the plant goes into operation at the end of 2026, the site will produce 2.5 million metric tons of direct reduced iron (DRI) annually and reduce carbon emissions by up to 3.5 million metric tons per year. 

“Companies like thyssenkrupp and Jacobs are leading the way in global climate transformation with a focus on decarbonizing the industrial sector,” said Jacobs executive vice president Patrick Hill. 

“This is a major project with a complex undertaking delivered through an integrated German and international team. 

“The implementation of this emerging technology is an important step in transforming the industry and supply chain in Europe and beyond.” 

Christian Kuhn, thyssenkrupp Steel technical project leader direct reduction, added: “The decision to commission Jacobs with the construction site organization is an important step towards the successful implementation of our planned construction project,” said. 

“The overall coordination of trades and partners on site is of decisive importance in the construction of direct reduction plants, melters and auxiliary units in order to ensure a smooth process and efficient implementation.” 

As PMCM partner, Jacobs’ scope of work includes overall coordination and management of engineering services, assembly and logistics; construction management and supporting contract management; assembly management of the engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor for the direct reduction plant; and interface management across the construction and assembly teams.

Based in Duisburg, thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG is Germany's biggest steel manufacturer, and employs around  26,000 staff.

Steel production at thyssenkrupp Steel Europe is planned to be completely climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest. 

The decisive step in this direction will be the construction of hydrogen-based direct reduction plants in conjunction with innovative melting units. 

The first plant is scheduled to go on stream in Duisburg in 2026. Production of five million metric tons of low-CO2 steel is already planned for 2030.