Singapore-headquartered Meranti Steel plans to develop a DRI-EAF steelworks for flat products in Thailand. The plant is intended to supply green hot rolled coil to domestic manufacturers and for export, founder and CEO Sebastian Langendorf tells Kallanish in an exclusive interview.
The project includes a DRI plant using natural gas and would be ready for the transition to the use of green hydrogen when available. It also includes a carbon-dioxide separation system and aims to become fully carbon-neutral over time. The DRI plant will feed an EAF, continuous caster, and hot strip mill with 2 million tonnes/year capacity. Production is planned to start in the second half of 2027.
The Thai industrial sector is one of the largest steel consumers in the region, including automotive and home appliances. Most traditional fuel vehicle production is catered to through long-term contract imports. A new wave of investment in New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production means there will be growing demand for low-emission steel from both existing and new auto manufacturers in the country.
Langendorf notes that “Meranti will offer its green HRC across a range of segments. He adds that, “the project will provide a significant contribution to strengthening Thailand’s domestic steel production while delivering a modern and efficient upstream business with a green footprint.”
Meranti’s green steel project is outside of its JFE MERANTI Joint Venture which continues to operate in Myanmar. The plant includes a 100,000 t/y color coating line and 180,000 t/y galvanizing line and started operations in 2020.
(Source: Kallanish)
* The materials and information in this article have been prepared or assembled by Viet Nam Steel and are intended for informational purposes only.
