The investment is expected to support the long-term sustainability of steelmaking and employment in Košice, while contributing to the supply of high-quality steel products with progressively lower CO₂ emissions to regional customers. Production at the new EAF is expected to commence in 2030.
New EAF to have 1.6 million tons of annual capacity
The new EAF will have an annual production capacity of approximately 1.6 million tons. It will be operated together with the existing blast furnace facilities to optimize production operations.
According to the company, the investment will enable a stable supply of high-quality steel while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. The new air separation unit will support the stable operation of the steelworks while improving energy efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions.
EUR 350 million grant for the investment
Under the grant agreement signed with the Slovak government, approximately EUR 350 million will be provided for the investment. Of this amount, EUR 310 million will be allocated to the EAF and EUR 40 million to the ASU.
The grant will be provided through the EU Modernization Fund, which is financed by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
The company stated that decarbonization support on this scale is important not only for USSK but also for the future resilience of Slovak industry. It noted that the steel sector is closely connected to strategic value chains including manufacturing, construction, automotive and energy, adding that the modernization of the plant will contribute to preserving industrial capabilities and strengthening supply security in the region.
Nippon Steel to establish European operating hub
Effective October 1, 2026, USSK is expected to become a direct subsidiary of Nippon Steel and change its name to NIPPON STEEL SLOVAKIA s. r. o. (NSSK).
Nippon Steel plans to position NSSK as one of its core operating hubs in Europe. Together with Nippon Steel, NSSK aims to contribute to the long-term development of the region by providing high-quality products and services to customers.
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