SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - Hyundai Steel said Monday it has begun mass production of lower-carbon steel sheet that reduces carbon emissions by about 20 percent compared with conventional blast-furnace products, marking a key step in the company’s transition toward greener steelmaking.
The company said it conducted extensive pre-verification work to stabilize operations and secure product quality ahead of launching its electric arc furnace–blast furnace hybrid production process. Since April 2023, Hyundai Steel has tested productivity for the lower-carbon steel sheet using an existing electric arc furnace at its Dangjin steelworks.
Hyundai Steel has secured certification for 25 steel grades, including two grades of lower-carbon steel sheet now entering mass production. It plans to certify an additional 28 grades within the year, expanding the lineup to 53 grades.
The rollout aligns with carbon-reduction roadmaps pursued by automakers within Hyundai Motor Group, the company said.
Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to begin applying lower-carbon steel materials to selected models produced in South Korea and Europe starting this year. Hyundai Steel said it will supply key automotive steel sheet to those plants as lower-carbon products and gradually expand both product grades and supply volumes.
The company is broadening the application of lower-carbon products beyond the auto sector. In automotive materials, Hyundai Steel is working with global carmakers and parts suppliers, while in energy steel it has completed fabrication and testing of lower-carbon heavy plate for offshore wind substructures, confirming material suitability with customers.
A Hyundai Steel official said the company is leading the supply of lower-carbon products through its hybrid process combining electric arc furnace operations with blast-furnace technology.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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