Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected to extend its role on ThyssenKrupp Steel's direct reduction plant in Duisburg, Germany, continuing to deliver project management office, construction management, and assembly management services as the hydrogen-capable facility advances toward first iron production.

An Expanded Role on a First-of-Its-Kind Facility

The contract extension builds on an engagement that began in August 2023, when Jacobs was originally awarded the program and construction management contract for the project. Under the extended agreement, Jacobs will continue to coordinate design, logistics, and construction activities across the complex site.

Once complete, the plant is expected to produce approximately 2.5 million metric tons of direct reduced iron per year, replacing coal-powered blast furnaces with a hydrogen-based ironmaking process.

Jacobs Executive Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh described the extension as a reflection of the confidence ThyssenKrupp has placed in the team.

"This contract amendment and extension reflects the trust ThyssenKrupp has in our team to bring this complex, first-of-its-kind hydrogen-based iron making facility online," Ó Cléirigh said. "We're focused on delivering this project to support the shift toward climate-neutral steelmaking and deliver on our promise of a more connected, sustainable world."

On-Site Responsibilities Spanning Civil Works, Logistics, and Safety

On site, Jacobs carries a broad operational mandate. The company supervises civil works, manages logistics, and oversees quality assurance activities. Jacobs also works closely with ThyssenKrupp to support health, safety, and environmental performance across the construction site, and manages assembly logistics and onsite material flow between the various contractors engaged on the project.

The scope of work reflects the complexity of a transformation project that involves coordinating multiple contractors and interfaces simultaneously.

ThyssenKrupp Steel Executive Director Construction DR Plant Ulrich Greiner Pachter credited the working relationship between the two organizations as the basis for the extension. "The contract extension is the result of the constructive and reliable collaboration we have established with Jacobs since the start of the project," Pachter said. "Jacobs has been a valuable partner in coordinating the many interfaces of this complex transformation project."

Decarbonizing Steel Production Through Hydrogen

The Duisburg facility sits at the center of ThyssenKrupp Steel's efforts to transition away from carbon-intensive blast furnace steelmaking. Direct reduction is a process by which iron ore is reduced to iron using a reducing gas rather than coke derived from coal.

By designing the plant to be capable of running on hydrogen, ThyssenKrupp is positioning the facility to operate without the carbon emissions associated with conventional blast furnace ironmaking. At the projected output of 2.5 million metric tons of direct reduced iron annually, the plant would represent a significant contribution to decarbonizing one of the most emissions-intensive industrial sectors.

Steel production is widely recognized as a major source of global industrial carbon emissions, and hydrogen-based direct reduction has emerged as one of the primary technological pathways being pursued by producers across Europe to address that challenge.

Part of a Broader German Energy and Infrastructure Portfolio for Jacobs

The ThyssenKrupp Steel project forms part of a growing body of energy and infrastructure work Jacobs has assembled in Germany. The company holds a seven-year multidisciplinary framework agreement with transmission system operator TransnetBW to support Germany's grid expansion, and is involved in the delivery of SuedLink, described as one of the world's longest underground high-voltage power cables.

Jacobs currently employs more than 300 people across three offices in Germany, where the company says it is supporting the country's energy transition, industrial decarbonization, and critical infrastructure programs.

The portfolio of work in Germany spans several of the key priorities in the country's broader industrial and energy policy agenda, including the buildout of transmission infrastructure needed to integrate large volumes of renewable power and the transformation of heavy industry away from fossil fuel dependency.

Jacobs at a Glance

Jacobs is a Dallas-based professional services firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company reported approximately USD 12 billion in annual revenue and employs approximately 47,000 people globally.

Its service offerings span advisory and consulting, feasibility studies, planning, design, program management, and lifecycle management across sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy, environmental services, life sciences, transportation, and water infrastructure.

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