GreenWay Steel
Železiarne Podbrezová – GreenWay Steel
CO₂ emissions in kg CO₂e per tonne
Our Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)
BF/BOF – traditional ore-based production
Steel with a Future
At Železiarne Podbrezová, we believe that even energy-intensive and robust steel production can be environmentally responsible. Our path towards a more sustainable future is called GreenWay Steel – a designation for steel produced with a minimal carbon footprint, in line with climate-friendly principles and modern environmental standards.
For more than 30 years, our steel production has been based on electric arc furnaces and ladle furnaces. We use electricity instead of fossil fuels – and the results speak for themselves:
Only 0.188 t CO₂e per tonne of steel (Scope 1 + Scope 2)
Just 8% of emissions compared to blast furnace and converter production (2.33 t CO₂e/t)
Renewable energy from our own sources.
Unlike many other producers, we do not rely solely on grid electricity. Part of our power comes from our own renewable sources:
Small Hydropower Plants (SHPP)
Photovoltaic Power Plant (PV)
We use the low-emission energy mix of the Slovak Republic and actively complement it with our own renewable sources. This allows us to produce steel that is not only high-quality, but also climate-responsible.
Small Hydropower Plants
For decades, Železiarne Podbrezová has been harnessing the power of water to cover part of its electricity consumption. Renewable energy production is an integral part of our long-term energy strategy. Our small hydropower plants provide up to 12% of our internal electricity consumption.
% of electricity
comes from our own power plants. We use the power of nature with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability.
Hydropower is a clean and sustainable energy source that does not occupy agricultural land, does not disturb local communities, and supports the purification of local waterways. Although dependent on sufficient water availability, it remains one of the most environmentally friendly forms of electricity generation. These sources not only reduce CO₂ emissions, but also contribute to the EU Taxonomy objective of climate change mitigation. Operation is fully compliant with water legislation and respects ecological flow requirements.
€ million invested
in environmentally friendly solutions, resulting in cleaner air and greater energy independence.
We operate 5 power plants (at 4 locations) with a total installed capacity exceeding 5,300 kW, producing more than 26,000 MWh of green energy annually.
thousand MWh of green energy
are generated annually by our power plants, which have preserved their architectural significance for decades.
The company has invested €15 million in environmentally friendly solutions, resulting in cleaner air and greater energy independence. Through the continuous care and operation of our power plants, we fulfil our commitment to the European Union’s Green Deal.
Our Hydropower Plants
Jasenie
NThe largest plant, built in 1924. Two Pelton turbines generate 12,000 MWh annually. Stability is ensured by three weirs and a water reservoir.
Predajná
In operation since 1998. Two Francis turbines with a capacity of 241.5 kW convert water from the Jasenský stream into electricity.
Nemecká – Dubová
A historic power plant (1902–1909), equipped with a modernised Kaplan turbine with a capacity of 970 kW, using water from the Hron River and a 4.8 km long supply system.
Piesok
A plant from 1903–1908 with a capacity of 1,200 kW, directly supplying our operations using local water sources.
Power Plants on Rooftops
We respond to energy uncertainty by investing in our own energy source – a photovoltaic power plant located directly within the Železiarne Podbrezová premises. Solar panels installed on the rooftops of our buildings generate clean energy that covers part of our internal consumption. This reduces the load on external power grids and contributes to climate neutrality objectives. These measures also support our ambition to meet the requirements of the EU Green Deal and EU Taxonomy by 2030.
Solar Energy Strategy
The energy crisis and volatile electricity prices present challenges for the entire industrial sector. That is why we have taken a strategic step towards greater energy self-sufficiency and a lower carbon footprint.
Our Own Photovoltaic Power Plant
In the first phase, more than 6,700 solar panels will be installed on the roof of the tube drawing hall. This local electricity source will significantly reduce our dependence on external energy suppliers.