Blastr Green Steel (Blastr) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aurora Infrastructure for a build, own, and operate (BOO) agreement. Under this arrangement, Aurora, a Finnish electricity network partner, will be responsible for designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and financing the electricity distribution infrastructure for Blastr’s proposed steel plant in Inkoo, Finland.
Aurora Infrastructure is for the industry and is responsible for network development, network investments, and network maintenance and operation as a complete solution.
Blastr’s Chief Technical Officer, Mikael Lindvall, said, “Blastr will explore the possibility to outsource its electricity networks to Aurora Infrastructure, who have specialized expertise for operating industrial electricity networks, ensuring the reliability and timely execution of network investments. The work under evaluation covers everything from design, construction, and network operation, including routine maintenance and financing of the network investment, lowering Blastr’s capital investment and enabling Blastr to focus on its core business.”
Their collaboration marks a milestone in the development of Blastr’s low-carbon mine-to-gate steel value chain, with a 90% reduction in the C0₂ emissions compared to conventional steelmaking with the use of hydrogen instead of coal in the iron production process and feedstock made with carbon-free energy.
This method is seen as a differentiated and profitable business model with a low carbon footprint, as per reports.
Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr Green Steel, opined that, “The collaboration with Aurora Infrastructure is a critical step forward in realizing our vision of producing green steel at scale. Aurora Infrastructure’s deep experience in energy solutions makes it an ideal partner for this project. We are excited to work together to advance the Inkoo plant, which will not only reduce carbon emissions but also strengthen Finland’s position as a leader in green industrial innovation.”
The CEO of Aurora Infrastructure, Robin Lindahl, also said that he believes Blastr’s Inkoo project demonstrates the latest technologies in sustainable steelmaking and takes the industrial landscape forward in Finland and Europe.
This collaboration is viewed as a representation of a shared vision to drive sustainable industrial transformation through innovation and strategic cooperation.