Feasibility study of aseawater pumping station for ArcelorMittal Dunkirk’s decarbonization program

RÉSUMÉ

The ArcelorMittal Dunkirk plant is committed to reducing its freshwater consumption. This 15-year program aims for a 10% reduction by 2025 and 25% by 2034, compared to 2019. Additionally, as part of its decarbonization program, the Dunkirk site plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by implementing new decarbonized steel production equipment, which will require additional cooling capacity.

The assessment of future cooling needs indicates an overconsumption of freshwater, even as the plant must achieve water savings. In response, ArcelorMittal decided to explore the possibility of using seawater drawn from the dock for cooling, instead of conventional air-cooled towers, for its new decarbonization equipment. By eliminating evaporation losses, the site’s water consumption targets could be met.

The feasibility study for a seawater pumping system, supported by Ademe, demonstrated technical feasibility but also highlighted a prohibitive cost for the decarbonization project.