Jacobs has been selected to extend its role on thyssenkrupp Steel's direct reduction plant in Duisburg, Germany, continuing to provide project management office (PMO), construction management and assembly management services as the hydrogen-capable facility moves toward first iron production.
Jacobs was originally awarded the programme and construction management contract in August 2023. Jacobs will continue to coordinate design, logistics and construction. Once complete, the plant is expected to produce approximately 2.5 million tpy of direct reduced iron (DRI), replacing coal-powered blast furnaces with a hydrogen-based process.
Fiachra Ó Cléirigh, Jacobs Executive Vice President, said: “This contract amendment and extension reflects the trust thyssenkrupp has in our team to bring this complex, first-of-its-kind hydrogen-based iron making facility online. We’re focused on delivering this project to support the shift toward climate-neutral steelmaking and deliver on our promise of a more connected, sustainable world.” On site, Jacobs supervises civil works, logistics, quality assurance and works closely with thyssenkrupp to support health, safety and environmental performance, and manages assembly logistics and onsite material flow between the contractors.
Ulrich Greiner Pachter, thyssenkrupp Steel Executive Director Construction DR Plant, added: “The contract extension is the result of the constructive and reliable collaboration we have established with Jacobs since the start of the project. Jacobs has been a valuable partner in coordinating the many interfaces of this complex transformation project.”
This project builds on Jacobs’ expanding energy and infrastructure work across the country, including a seven-year multidisciplinary framework agreement with transmission system operator TransnetBW to support Germany's grid expansion and delivery of SuedLink, one of the world's longest underground high-voltage power cables. Jacobs employs more than 300 people across three offices in Germany, supporting the country's energy transition, industrial decarbonisation and critical infrastructure programmes.