EMSTEEL Group, a publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturer in the region, has partnered with global technology company Danieli to launch the world’s first Electric Process Gas Heater (ePGH) pilot for the steel industry.

The pilot, a first for the global steel industry, provides a scalable model for future retrofits by replacing fossil-fuel-based heat sources with clean electric alternatives. At EMSTEEL’s DRI plants, the ePGH system substitutes conventional gas-fired heaters, reducing more than 2,200 tons of CO₂ annually when operated with green electricity. The project supports EMSTEEL’s goal of cutting emissions by 40 percent by 2030 across its steel division and serves as a key component of its broader green steel strategy.

Developed in collaboration with Danieli’s R&D division, the ePGH has undergone extensive simulation, testing, and modelling to ensure optimal performance under industrial conditions. The initiative starts with a 1.3 MW pilot phase, providing the foundation for scaling to a 22.7 MW system that could transform thermal process decarbonization across the steel industry.

Engineer Saeed Ghumran Saeed Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “At EMSTEEL, we are committed to shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing. By adopting scalable clean technologies, we accelerate our sustainable steel strategy and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for industrial innovation. Our goal is to deliver industrial solutions that create lasting positive impact for the environment, the economy, and future generations.”

He added that this milestone highlights EMSTEEL’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and its role in advancing a low-carbon future for the UAE.

The company has already made progress in reducing emissions, lowering its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity by 23 percent. As of 2023, EMSTEEL’s total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions stood at 4.5 million tonnes of CO₂, representing a significant step toward its net-zero objectives.