FFS2 has produced significant results that advance hydrogen-based direct reduction (H₂-DRI), electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, energy integration, and the sustainable utilisation of side streams. The results strengthen the Finnish steel industry’s ability to move towards low-carbon production chains. The project has published 66 scientific publications and reports, with more expected as the project concludes. At the same time, 2 new PhDs have graduated (one public defence in preparation and 4 other doctoral dissertation projects ongoing) and 8 Master of Science (Technology) graduates (2 MSc theses ongoing), demonstrating both scientific impact and a strengthening the talent base.
At the University of Oulu, new unique experimental equipment has been developed within the project to support research on unit processes for future fossil-free steel production. A new electric arc furnace simulator has been developed to study EAF operation and the melting behaviour of raw materials, enabling experiments with charge sizes below 500 g. In addition, a continuous slag-foaming system with injection has been developed to support replacing fossil carbon with biocarbon in the EAF. In pilot trials carried out in collaboration with Swerim and SSAB, EAF slag modification and cooling were tested for cement industry applications, opening new pathways for the utilisation of slag. The project also generated new knowledge on the effects of water vapour on hydrogen reduction in the production of sponge iron.