AIST Decarbonization Webinar: Decarbonization – Blast Furnace to EAF Transition Projects

19 November 2026 • Zoom • 9–10 a.m. EDT

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About the Program:

The transition from blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) steelmaking to electric arc furnace (EAF)-based production presents significant technical and operational challenges. This webinar provides perspectives from Algoma Steel and SHS – Stahl-Holding-Saar on major conversion projects, covering technology selection, integration with existing facilities, project execution and the role of electrified steelmaking in reducing carbon intensity.

Registration Fees:

US$0 for AIST members, U$50 for non-members.

Available Sponsorships:

Event Sponsor – 1 available US$3,500

  • Name recognition for specific webinar on upcoming webinar calendar.
  • Sponsor logo and hyperlink included in electronic promotions.
  • Sponsor logo and hyperlink on specific webinar page.
  • Sponsor logo on webinar registration page.
  • Sponsor can provide a message (2–3 sentences) for host to read during opening webinar remarks.
  • Verbal recognition by host at end of webinar.
  • Recognition in thank-you message to all participants when the webinar ends.
  • Sponsor will receive a list of all webinar participants (name, company, country).
  • Three AIST memberships for non-members only.

 

Moderators:

Poliana Araujo, Technical Manager, WSP Canada

Poliana Araujo is a principal process engineer with WSP’s Energy, Resource & Industry Sector. As a metallurgical engineer, she specializes in steel production, process optimization, scrap utilization, EAF operations, secondary refining and blast furnace ironmaking. Her work focuses on improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and supporting the steel industry’s transition to lower-carbon production.

Mike Grant, Independent Consultant

Mike Grant is an independent consultant with nearly 40 years of experience in EAF and ironmaking technologies. He advises steelmakers globally on process optimization and decarbonization, building on his work with initiatives like ULCOS and Top Gas Recycling Blast Furnace technology.

Presentation 1: 

Algoma Steel’s Transition to EAF Steelmaking, Kashif Rehman, Director of Market Development and Product Innovation, Algoma Steel Inc.

Presenter Bio: 
Kashif Rehman is director – market development and product innovation at Algoma Steel Inc., bringing extensive experience across metallurgy, research and development, technology, and steel product innovation. Rehman began his career with Essar Steel India before pursuing graduate studies at McMaster University, where he completed his Ph.D. in 2014 focused on microalloyed steels. He later joined Algoma Steel as a metallurgist at the Direct Strip Production Complex and progressed into leadership roles in metallurgical services and technology. Today, he leads Algoma’s market development and product innovation efforts, supporting the development of new products, applications and market opportunities for Algoma’s steel.

Presentation 1 Abstract:

Algoma Steel is transforming steelmaking in Canada through its transition to electric arc furnace technology in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Canada. Powered by Ontario’s clean electricity grid, the transformation has reduced Algoma’s carbon emissions by approximately 70%, or 3 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. This presentation will highlight Algoma’s decarbonization journey and how this historic transformation is helping shape a more sustainable future for Canadian steel.   

Presentation 2: 

Power4Steel — Transformation of the Saarland Steel Industry: Road Map, Implementation and Challenges, Sebastian Börner, Technical Project Manager, Stahl-Holding-Saar

Presenter Bio:

After studying mechanical engineering and completing an M.B.A. at Aachen University of Applied Sciences and a doctorate at ULB Brussels in the field of hydrogen technology, Sebastian Börner joined Dillinger in 2013. He was responsible for commissioning the CC6 continuous casting line at the Dillinger steel works. When he moved to Stahl-Holding-Saar, he was jointly responsible for the conception and project management of the decarbonization project of Dillinger and Saarstahl. In his current position as technical project manager, he is responsible for areas including production, metallurgy, scrap management and energy design.

Presentation 2 Abstract:

Dillinger – Saarstahl – SHS group have developed their transformation strategy Power4Steel based on conversion of the integrated BF-BOF routes to integrated DRI-EAF production. New DRI and EAF plants will be integrated into the existing sites. The DRI plant and two electric arc furnaces are the core components of the decarbonization project of Saarstahl, Dillinger and ROGESA, with a production capacity of 3.5 million tons of crude steel per year. The SHS Group is thus converting 70% of its total capacity to CO2-reduced production in just one step. The equipment orders were placed in October 2024. Construction work at the Dillingen and Völklingen sites is currently in full swing. Commissioning of Saarstahl’s EAF is scheduled for 2028, while the commissioning of Dillinger’s DRI plant and EAF is planned for 2029. This presentation will give an overview of the maturity level of the transformation project Power4Steel, the next steps and corresponding challenges.