Dubai, UAE – 16th November 2025 –
At this year’s Fastmarkets Middle East Iron & Steel 2025 Conference in Dubai, AERZEN is proud to highlight its growing role as a strategic technology partner in the steel industry’s transition toward low-carbon and hydrogen-based production.
With more than 160 years of engineering excellence, AERZEN delivers high-performance compressor solutions that are vital to Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) processes. AERZEN’s compressors play a key role in supplying process gas, seal gas, and cooling gas for DRI operations, as well as dry screw compressors used in the pneumatic transport of hot DRI to EAF systems a crucial step in sustainable steel production.
Supporting the Global Shift to Green Steel
AERZEN’s advanced compressor technologies are helping steelmakers drastically reduce CO₂ emissions and accelerate the shift toward green hydrogen-based production. Among its flagship reference projects is Salzgitter AG in Germany, part of the SALCOS (Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking) program.
In collaboration with Danieli, Tenova, and DSD Steel Group, AERZEN supplied a PTS (Pneumatic Transport System) compressor for Salzgitter’s first direct reduction plant (DRI I), based on Energiron ZR technology. Jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli, this innovative system can operate on both natural gas and hydrogen in any ratio, paving the way toward 100% green hydrogen operation by 2033.
The AERZEN oil-free VRA 536 S screw compressor plays a critical role in this setup, compressing molecular nitrogen to pneumatically transport hot reduced iron briquettes (HBI) from the DRI furnace to the EAF. Each compressor package includes a complete drive train, process gas piping, integrated oil system, seal gas system, and complete instrumentation, all mounted on a compact base frame. The system’s control was provided by Danieli.
Driving Decarbonization in the UAE and Beyond
AERZEN has been an established partner to the Middle East’s steel industry for several decades. The company has supplied VRA 537L compressor units through Danieli to Emirates Steel in 2008 and 2009, compressors that continuously enable reliable gas-handling and pneumatic transport within iron production (HYL`s ENERGIRON technology).
Today, AERZEN actively supports the UAE, GCC, and wider region in achieving Net Zero 2050 goals, supplying hydrogen-ready, CO₂-ready, and energy-efficient compressor systems that enhance process reliability and reduce environmental impact.
“The steel industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and compressor technology lies at the heart of this change,” said Sascha Sissiou, Regional Director MEA for Process Gas Applications at AERZEN. “At AERZEN, we are proud to support leading producers in the Middle East and globally with proven compressor solutions that enable the transition to green steel and a more sustainable industrial future.”
Craig Russell, Head of Middle East & Africa at AERZEN, added:
“Steel is one of the most CO₂-intensive industries, and its transformation is essential to achieving the region’s sustainability and Net Zero 2050 goals. As the Middle East continues its rapid economic and infrastructure growth, and with the UAE and GCC advancing ambitious hydrogen strategies, AERZEN is deeply committed to supporting this transition. We continuously develop technologies tailored to regional needs combining German engineering expertise with local partnerships to help our customers and the region produce cleaner, greener steel. Our goal is to be the strategic technology partner for the Middle East’s sustainability transformation. ”
With more than 5,000 compressors installed across the region, local service centers in the UAE and KSA, and long-standing engineering partnerships across the GCC, AERZEN continues to empower regional steel producers to achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth.
About AERZEN
Founded in 1864, AERZEN is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance blowers, compressors, and vacuum solutions. Through innovation and reliability, AERZEN delivers sustainable gas-handling technologies for the steel, process, and environmental industries. In the Middle East, AERZEN supports the region’s key sectors in achieving energy efficiency, decarbonization, and Net Zero 2050 goals.
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