[Translate to EN:] © 2025 RHI Magnesita
Shown is Hood Kiln 1 at the Marktredwitz plant, which was converted for use with hydrogen, including state-of-the-art measuring equipment to monitor the kiln atmosphere and a thermal imaging camera to allow viewing inside the kiln during firing.

RHI Magnesita was the first company in Europe’s refractory industry to successfully operate an industrial kiln with green hydrogen on 27 March, at temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees. At the plant in Marktredwitz (Germany), an existing hood kiln was converted for operation with hydrogen, natural gas, or a mixture of both. The aim of the research project “H2-ready hood kiln” is to investigate the influence of hydrogen on refractory materials and to further develop the industrial use of this energy source. Five additional firings with hydrogen at various temperatures are planned for this year.

What is special about this: the hydrogen used comes from the electrolysis plant in Wunsiedel and was delivered by trailer – a real application case using green hydrogen, even before the construction of a future pipeline network that is intended to reliably supply many plants in the future.

With this pioneering achievement, RHI Magnesita underlines why such trials are essential: they create the technological and process-related foundation for the future use of imported hydrogen – exactly the goal pursued by HIAA.

The findings from Marktredwitz will be incorporated both into all production sites of RHI Magnesita throughout Europe and into the global research center in Leoben (Austria). The project is a concrete step toward a hydrogen-based industry and shows: the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy has begun – industry is ready.

About the HIAA Member: RHI Magnesita is the world’s leading supplier of high-quality refractory products, systems, and solutions that are crucial for high-temperature processes of more than 1,200°C in a wide range of industries such as steel, cement, non-ferrous metals, and glass.
 

Constantin Beelitz, RHI Magnesita Member of the HIAA Steering Committee, President Europe, CIS & Turkey / Head of BU Steel Europe, CIS & Turkey

“I am pleased to announce the first successful hydrogen trial in the European refractory industry – a decisive milestone in advancing the industrial application of hydrogen through HIAA. Our alliance is not only making progress, but we are also playing a crucial role in achieving Austria’s climate goals by driving the decarbonization of key industries. In a time of economic uncertainty, HIAA is also an important factor in securing Austria’s industrial future and in creating high-quality, skilled jobs.”
 

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