At the ArcelorMittal site in Ghent Luminus Solutions builds an innovative steam turbine
At the end of September, Luminus Solutions secured the contract for the construction of a steam turbine project at ArcelorMittal’s site in Ghent. Following the successful completion of the basic design for an advanced energy recovery installation, this marks an important new step in the collaboration between the companies. The project includes the design, construction, maintenance, and operation (DBMO) of a steam turbine that converts high-pressure steam from sludge incineration into green electricity and low-pressure steam. The new installation is fully financed by FINEG through the project company FINARMIT.
ArcelorMittal Belgium is the largest steel producer in the country, with sites in Ghent, Liège, Geel, and Genk. The company is part of the international ArcelorMittal group, the world leader in steel production. ArcelorMittal Belgium is known for its innovative approach and continuous investments in sustainable production processes. With a strong focus on circularity and CO₂ reduction, ArcelorMittal Belgium plays a leading role in 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
At ArcelorMittal’s Ghent site, Aquafin is currently building a large-scale installation 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 during this process and convert it into low-pressure steam and green electricity. ArcelorMittal will use the generated low-pressure steam in its production process, further reducing CO₂ emissions at the 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 realize a sustainable project.”
The financing and long-term management of the project, worth more than €12 million, are handled by FINARMIT, which purchases steam from Aquafin. This structure underscores the confidence of all parties involved in the success and sustainability of the project.
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 joint efforts by industry, public institutions, and technology can lead to concrete solutions that result in both cost reduction and sustainability. In this way, we contribute to strengthening competitiveness and, ultimately, to securing our industry in the long term.”
Tight Project Schedule
The construction of the steam turbine follows a strict schedule. August 2026 will be an important milestone when Aquafin will supply the first high-pressure steam. By the end of 2026, the installation must be operational so that, starting in 2027, it can deliver low-pressure steam to ArcelorMittal Belgium in a sustainable way with a low CO₂ impact.
Frederik Van De Velde, CEO of ArcelorMittal Belgium: “For us, this represents a new step in our sustainability strategy toward carbon neutrality by 2050. By using steam in our steel production process, the use of fossil fuels is further reduced. This makes the installation a model of sustainable energy production in Europe.”
Raoul Nihart, CEO of Luminus Solutions: “Our mission is to support industrial companies in their energy transition with innovative technologies and solutions that we develop to measure and that help them significantly reduce their CO₂ emissions. We are honored to help FINARMIT and ArcelorMittal Belgium achieve their sustainability ambitions with this project.”
