$1.5 billion boost for Dunkirk
Major EAF project marks key decarbonisation step and strengthens long-term low-carbon steel production in France.
Image for illustrative purposes
France, Dunkirk: ArcelorMittal has confirmed a $1.5 B (€1.3 B) investment to build an electric arc furnace (EAF) at its steel production facility in Dunkirk, France.
The new furnace, with an annual capacity of 2 million tonnes, is scheduled to be commissioned in 2029. It will use a mix of scrap, HBI/DRI and hot metal, enabling steel production with around three times lower CO₂ emissions compared to blast furnaces. Emissions are expected to be about 0.6 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel.
The investment is described as a major milestone in the company’s decarbonisation strategy in France. It will be supported by the Energy Efficiency Certificates (CEE) mechanism, which is expected to cover around 50 % of the total cost.
The decision follows recent policy developments at EU level, including proposals by the European Commission to limit unfair imports through the Tariff Rate Quota mechanism and reforms to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The company said the effective implementation of these measures is essential to restore fair competition in the European steel market.
A long-term electricity supply agreement with EDF was also highlighted as a key factor, securing low-carbon and competitively priced power for the site.
On the day of the announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Dunkirk facility.
Meanwhile, the company is preparing to commission a new electrical steel production unit at its nearby Mardyck site.
Source: Eurometal
#ArcelorMittal#decarbonisation#Dunkirk#EDF#electric arc furnace#France#steel production