Jacobs has extended its role in the construction of thyssenkrupp Steel’s hydrogen-capable direct reduction plant in Duisburg, Germany, as the major industrial project moves toward first iron production.
The engineering and infrastructure firm will continue providing project management office (PMO), construction management and assembly management services for the facility.
Jacobs was first awarded the program and construction management contract in August 2023. Under the extension, the company will continue coordinating design, logistics and construction while overseeing civil works, quality assurance and assembly logistics on site.
Once operational, the plant is expected to produce approximately 2.5 million metric tons of direct reduced iron (DRI) annually. The facility is designed to replace coal-powered blast furnaces with a hydrogen-based ironmaking process, marking a major step in thyssenkrupp Steel’s push to decarbonize production.
Jacobs Executive Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh 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 the ground, Jacobs is supervising civil works, logistics and quality assurance while working with thyssenkrupp on health, safety and environmental performance. The company is also managing assembly logistics and the movement of materials between contractors.
thyssenkrupp Steel Executive Director Construction DR Plant Ulrich Greiner Pachter said: “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.”
The Duisburg project adds to Jacobs’ growing portfolio of energy and industrial infrastructure work in Germany. The company is also working under a seven-year multidisciplinary framework agreement with transmission system operator TransnetBW on Germany’s grid expansion and SuedLink, a major underground high-voltage power cable project.
