OSTRAVA, April 21, 2026 – Nová Huť has begun a crucial phase of its modernization. Starting April 20, companies can submit bids for the tender to supply a 200-metric-ton electric arc furnace. This investment is not only an environmental commitment but, above all, a strategic step toward gaining full control over production quality and self-sufficiency in raw materials.

An End to Limits on Imported Semi-Finished Products

A key benefit of the new furnace is the removal of existing production barriers. In-house steel production directly in Ostrava will replace the current need to import steel semi-finished products from external sources.

“The new furnace represents a technological breakthrough for us. It will not only allow us to become independent of imports of slabs and billets but also enable us to produce a wide range of steel grades. We will thus be able to meet the most demanding requirements of our customers,” explains Ivo Chmelík, the company’s Director of Production and Technology.

Maximum Flexibility and Quality

The new furnace will not merely be a “replacement” for blast furnaces and other earlier primary production technologies, but a state-of-the-art unit designed for maximum raw material flexibility. Its unique design will allow for seamless adjustment of the charge ratio based on current market conditions and environmental requirements:

• Capability to operate on 100% steel scrap.


• Flexible combination with direct reduced iron (DRI/HBI) in proportions ranging from 25% to 50%.

“The chosen technology will provide us with the necessary stability and flexibility in deciding on the charge composition. At the same time, this modern method of smelting in an electric furnace will allow us to produce steel with a significantly lower carbon footprint,” adds Ivo Chmelík.

Modernization of the Entire Production Chain

The project encompasses not only the furnace itself but also a comprehensive modernization of the steelmaking operation:

• Logistics and Preheating: The project calls for the use of modern equipment for scrap preheating, which minimizes energy consumption. Logistics will remain environmentally friendly, as 80–90% of the material will be transported to the furnace via the existing in-plant railway.


• Secondary metallurgy: To achieve the highest steel quality, a new double-ladle furnace and a modern double vacuum station with a shared mechanical pump system will be installed.


• Integration with continuous casting: The produced steel will be directed to the modernized continuous casting facilities (known as “Caster No.1” and “Caster No.2”), or to the entirely new “Caster No.4,” which will replace “Caster No.1.”

The Path to Sustainable Steel

The installation of an electric arc furnace is in line with the latest trends in the European steel industry. Replacing part of the high-emission production with a modern electric furnace will secure the company’s future in a low-emission economy and strengthen its position as a key supplier of steel products in the Czech Republic.

Timeline and Next Steps

The currently announced tender serves as the basis for the final approval of the entire investment plan. The results of the tender will be announced in September of this year. Based on the evaluation of bids and current market conditions, a final decision on the implementation of this strategic project will then be made.

Those interested in the public contract can find more details in the Public Procurement Bulletin under reference number 2bc9629e-2c1b-445f-b2b4-80bb67c93b32.

Media contact:
NOVÁ HUT s.r.o.
Communications
Mgr. Ivo Šterba
spokesperson
M: +420 606 773 337
E: Ivo.Sterba@novahut.cz