ArcelorMittal has confirmed progress on its €1.3 billion low-carbon steelmaking project at Dunkirk, France, where a 2 million metric ton per year electric arc furnace and ladle metallurgy furnace are under development. The company has committed €300 million so far for site preparation and long-lead equipment, with permit applications submitted and public consultation starting October 15. The new route, using recycled steel, HBI/DRI, and pig iron, is expected to cut CO2 emissions to about 0.6 tons per ton of steel, roughly two-thirds below the blast furnace route. Separately, the €500 million Mardyck electrical steel expansion is nearing completion. The first three lines started operating in March, and installation of an annealing-pickling line and reversing mill is almost done, with initial tests planned for spring 2027. These lines will complete the integrated production chain for electrical steels used in motors and generators. The project shows how steelmakers are shifting from blast furnaces to electric routes, but the emissions outcome depends on the grid mix and the source of DRI or HBI. France's low-carbon electricity gives the Dunkirk EAF a head start, and the Mardyck line strengthens supply for energy-efficient equipment.
