Tenova has been selected by US-based NEMO Industries as the technology provider for a new Direct Reduction (DR) plant to be built in Louisiana. The facility will be a key component of NEMO Industries' Ironworks I project, producing high-carbon direct reduced iron (DRI) to supply feedstock for pig iron production via electric melting.
Plant to have 2.5 million mt annual DRI capacity
The new plant will be built using the ENERGIRON direct reduction technology jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli. Recognized for its operational flexibility, high efficiency, and ability to meet the evolving needs of the steel industry, the project will utilize the advanced ENERGIRON Zero Reformer configuration.
The facility is designed to produce approximately 2.5 million mt of hot and cold DRI annually. The high-carbon DRI produced at the plant will be used in NEMO Industries' pig iron production facilities.
Tenova to carry out FEED studies
The project's Final Investment Decision (FID) is targeted for December 2027. Until then, Tenova will conduct the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies for the facility.
HYTEMP system to transport hot DRI
The plant will also incorporate the HYTEMP hot DRI transport system, enabling hot DRI to be transferred safely and efficiently while maintaining its temperature and material quality. This is expected to improve process efficiency and optimize overall plant performance.
Designed for future hydrogen and carbon capture integration
The Ironworks I project has been designed not only to meet current production requirements but also to support future low-carbon steelmaking technologies.
The facility will be ready for the integration of carbon capture technologies, while flexible feed systems will allow a future transition to hydrogen as hydrogen infrastructure expands along the US Gulf Coast.
Supporting sustainable iron production
With this investment, Tenova aims to further strengthen its sustainable direct reduction technology portfolio. The ENERGIRON process is compatible with both hydrogen use and carbon capture systems, offering significant potential to reduce emissions in iron production.
Tenova: "Leading the future of ironmaking"
Commenting on the agreement, Stefano Maggiolino, President and CEO of Tenova HYL, said that ENERGIRON represents the future of global ironmaking.
"This agreement once again demonstrates Tenova's leading role in the future of global iron production. ENERGIRON provides NEMO Industries with a strong technical foundation in terms of capital and operating costs, carbon content, and sustainability, enabling the company to implement its DRI-based pig iron production model," he said.
NEMO Industries: "We will strengthen the American pig iron supply chain"
Michael DuBose, Co-Founder and President of NEMO Industries, highlighted the strategic importance of the project for domestic pig iron production in the US.
He noted that recent wars, tariffs, and extreme weather events have reinforced the need for resilient domestic supply chains, adding:
"Our partnership with Tenova marks an important milestone in rebuilding a secure, cost-competitive, and low-emission American pig iron supply chain. Through ENERGIRON DRI technology, we will develop a pig iron facility that strengthens the US steel supply chain and reduces dependence on imported steel feedstocks."
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