France-based sustainable iron producer GravitHy has announced that it has selected Hatch Ltd., a global leader in engineering and project delivery, to carry out the front-end engineering design (FEED) for its planned low-carbon iron production facility in Fos-sur-Mer.
The FEED phase is a critical stage in project development, defining the technical scope, cost estimates, and execution strategy ahead of a final investment decision.
FEED phase to define project execution roadmap
Through the FEED contract, Hatch Ltd. will provide detailed engineering, cost evaluation, and project planning services. As part of the FEED scope, Hatch will be responsible for:
- defining the plant’s complete technical configuration;
- process integration and energy system design;
- detailed process and energy balances;
- constructability, logistics, and site‑integration studies;
- cost estimates, execution strategy, and project schedule;
- preparation of tender packages for the next project phases.
The completion of the FEED phase will be a key milestone toward advancing the project to construction.
Project targets low-carbon iron production in Europe
The planned facility will focus on producing direct reduced iron (DRI) using low-carbon technologies, supporting Europe’s transition toward greener steelmaking. The Fos‑sur‑Mer facility is designed to annually produce two million mt per year of hot briquetted iron, using 100 percent low‑carbon hydrogen as the reducing agent.
The project is aimed at contributing to the decarbonization of the steel value chain by supplying cleaner iron units to electric arc furnace-based steel producers.
Project execution is planned to begin in 2028, subject to a final investment decision.