Zero Liquid Discharge and Water Management for Green Steel Production

Challenge

Stegra's pioneering green steel plant required an unprecedented level of complexity and scale, encompassing almost every major water technology group. Aquatech’s “water island” includes raw water treatment, high-purity demineralized water production, oil-water separation, ZLD, cooling water treatment, and CMS mill scale recovery. These systems needed to manage a wide range of water chemistries and flow rates while seamlessly interfacing with the plant’s green hydrogen and steel production processes. The technical configuration was validated through a dynamic design build model, with real-time adaptation to new flow and quality data throughout development.

 

Solution

To ensure optimal management of water risk while ensuring rapid project delivery, Aquatech implemented a Private-to-Private Partnership (PtPP) model anchored in a 25-year DBOOM contract. This enabled flexible scope evolution, clear accountability, and lifecycle cost certainty. With Aquatech assuming full responsibility for design, installation, and operation of the facility’s water management systems, and John Laing taking responsibility for water financing, this approach ensured that Stegra could focus on its core mission of delivering zero-carbon steel.
 

Innovation & Collaboration at Scale for a New Generation of Steel 

The success of the Stegra project rests on close collaboration, shared vision, and long-term commitment to delivering cutting edge water management for a world-leading industrial project. Close collaboration between Stegra, Aquatech, and John Laing has been instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of this pioneering undertaking.

"The water treatment processes are a very important part of our plant, which is the first integrated plant for hydrogen, iron and steelmaking globally. What we are doing in Boden is pioneering in every aspect, and it would not be possible without partnerships with players like Aquatech.”

- Henrik Henriksson, CEO, Stegra

Technology, transparency, and flexibility are key to effectively solving today’s water challenges. Our partnership with Stegra and John Laing delivers impactful value to the green steel facility and establishes a new model for the future of industrial water.” 

- Devesh Sharma, CEO, Aquatech

This kind of technology has never been more in need to meet net zero targets in countries. We are excited to be part of this facility and continue to identify and invest in core infrastructure assets that contribute to the global energy transition.” 

- Andrew Truscott, CEO, John Laing