TWINGHY: progress and innovations for a green steel industry
TWINGHY, the 54-month project co-funded by the European Union to reduce CO2 emissions through hybrid burners and digital twin technology, has reached its halfway point, and the results of its collective efforts are beginning to take shape.
Fives and other project partners recently gathered for the 6th TWINGHY General Assembly on October 1–2, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. The event was hosted by the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP), which plays a key role in supporting EU research and innovation initiatives in the steel sector.
Latest developments
With the final phase ahead, the consortium is steadily progressing toward its goal of a greener steel industry.
Recent progress includes the installation of eight hydrogen-compatible AdvanTek® burners, designed and developed by Fives, in Celsa’s reheating furnace no. 3 in Barcelona, Spain. The burners have successfully completed initial testing, while final tests with hydrogen are scheduled for early of 2026.
“Following the work completed during the summer shutdown, it is particularly significant that the switch to hydrogen supply can be made while keeping the furnace in operation,” says Imanol Bilbao, Thermal Technology Manager at Fives Steel Spain, a Fives’ subsidiary involved in the project.
Next steps
The next steps include installing two oxy-combustion systems in the soaking zone and setting up the hydrogen skid and piping. New burner tests will be conducted in early 2026 to partially replace natural gas with hydrogen, using different mixing ratios, and to assess their impact on product quality.
In parallel, simulations and models using digital twin technology will be further developed to help control furnace behaviour and improve operations.
With this advance, TWINGHY continues its commitment to the decarbonization of the steel industry. Learn more.