At the end of September 2025, Luminus Solutions was awarded the contract to build the steam turbine at our site in Ghent. Following the successful completion of the basic design for an advanced energy recovery installation, this is an important new step in the collaboration between our company and Luminus Solutions. The project includes the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of a steam turbine that converts high-pressure steam from sludge incineration into green electricity and low-pressure steam.
“By using steam in our production process, we reduce the use of fossil fuels, taking another step towards carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Frederik Van De Velde, CEO ArcelorMittal Belgium
ArcelorMittal Belgium is known for its innovative approach and continuous investments in sustainable production processes. With a strong focus on circularity and CO₂ reduction, the steel producer is at the forefront of the transition to a climate-neutral steel industry.
To make its site more sustainable, ArcelorMittal Belgium works with public investor FINEG, which finances sustainable installations on the site through the project company FINARMIT. This also applies to the construction of the new turbine project.
Sustainable partnership and circular energy
Aquafin is currently constructing a large-scale facility at ArcelorMittal in Ghent that will process sewage sludge from approximately 4 million Flemish residents.
The new 1.3 MW steam turbine that Luminus Solutions will build, will process the high-pressure steam released in this process and convert it into low-pressure steam and green electricity. ArcelorMittal will use the low-pressure steam generated in its production process, further reducing CO₂ emissions at its Ghent site. The electricity produced will be supplied directly back to Aquafin.
Innovation and expertise
Luminus Solutions will take on the entire DBMO contract (Design, Build, Maintain & Operate), including civil works, piping, electrical installation, control systems, maintenance, and operation for 15 years. Luminus Solutions’ experience with similar industrial projects and expertise in energy recovery and CO₂ reduction provide a solid foundation for the success of this assignment.
Ben Segers, Senior Project Developer at Luminus Solutions: “Luminus Solutions is extremely proud of this collaboration with Finarmit and ArcelorMittal Belgium. This project is a great example of how industrial partners, each with their own expertise and vision, can work together to achieve a sustainable project.”
The financing and long-term management of the project – worth more than 12 million euros – are handled by FINARMIT, which purchases steam from Aquafin. This arrangement highlights the confidence of all parties involved in the project's success and sustainability.
Filip Keppens, Director of FINEG: “As a public investor, we strongly believe in the power of public-private partnerships to accelerate the sustainability of our Flemish industry. This project demonstrates how the combined efforts of industry, public institutions, and technology can lead to tangible solutions that reduce costs and promote sustainability. In this way, we contribute to strengthening competitiveness and, consequently, to securing our industry in the long term.”
Tight project planning
The construction of the steam turbine is following a strict schedule. August 2026 will be an important milestone, when the first high-pressure steam will be supplied by Aquafin. The installation should be operational by the end of 2026, so that it can supply low-pressure steam to ArcelorMittal Belgium from 2027 onwards, in a sustainable manner and with a low CO₂ impact.
Frederik Van De Velde, CEO ArcelorMittal Belgium: "For us, it represents another step in our sustainability strategy towards carbon neutrality by 2050. Using the steam in our steel production process further reduces the use of fossil fuels. This makes the installation an example of sustainable energy production in Europe."
Raoul Nihart, CEO of Luminus Solutions: “Our mission is to assist industrial companies in their energy transition with innovative technologies and solutions, which we develop to measure and help them to significantly reduce their CO₂ emissions. We are particularly honored to be able to help FINARMIT and ArcelorMittal Belgium achieve their sustainability ambitions with this project.”
