Voestalpine has produced the world’s first rails made from hydrogen-reduced iron, combining sustainable metallurgy with high performance. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Voestalpine has produced rails using hydrogen-reduced iron for the first time, marking a step toward carbon-neutral steelmaking.
Photo: Voestalpine

Breakthrough Technologies Behind the Rails

The Austrian company Voestalpine developed a test batch of rails using the HYFOR method, which replaces carbon with hydrogen to reduce iron ore. This process emits no CO₂ — only water vapor — making these rails significantly more environmentally friendly.

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The first rail, painted green as a sustainability symbol, was installed at Linz’s central railway station. This location also houses Voestalpine’s headquarters and major production facilities. Through this installation, the company signals its readiness to scale eco-technologies from pilot to application.

Rails as a Decarbonization Strategy Element

As Austria’s largest industrial CO₂ emitter, Voestalpine aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions in steel production by 2050. To achieve this, the company focuses on hydrogen-based reduction and metal scrap recycling. Steel for these rails is made from scrap and hydrogen-reduced iron, produced at the HYFOR pilot plant co-developed by Voestalpine and partners.

Furthermore, Voestalpine intends to expand this technology to support continuous, climate-friendly rail production. The company is heavily investing in sustainable innovations, reinforcing its position in both European and global markets.

Hydrogen use in metallurgy is considered essential for climate-neutral industry transformation. However, only a few firms have successfully demonstrated such projects in real-world conditions. Voestalpine stands out among early adopters, proving that hydrogen-based steelmaking is viable and scalable.

FAQ

What are hydrogen-reduced iron rails?

These are rails made from iron reduced with hydrogen instead of carbon, eliminating CO₂ emissions in the process.

Can these eco-friendly rails be used in regular rail networks?

Yes, they match the strength and durability of traditional rails and are suitable for standard operations.

How is Voestalpine reducing its carbon footprint?

The company uses carbon-free steelmaking technologies like HYFOR and relies on recycled metal to minimize environmental impact.

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