Powered by solar energy for 12 hours a day
SMS group provides advanced digital and technological solutions that enable Hybar’s CMT® rebar minimill to maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. The plant can operate on solar energy for up to 12 hours per day, supported by intelligent energy management, setting new sustainability benchmarks in long‑product steelmaking.
Hybar’s vision for sustainability
Driven by strong U.S. infrastructure and construction demand, Hybar focuses on green rebar production with a significantly reduced CO₂ footprint. A dedicated behind‑the‑meter solar park enables operation with up to 100% renewable electricity, covering around 70% of operating hours and reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 35% compared to a conventional minimill.
SMS group’s CMT® technology integrates continuous casting and rolling in a single process, eliminating the need for fossil‑fuel‑fired reheating furnaces. In addition, AURA DC power electronics for the electric arc furnace further reduce energy consumption, grid disturbances, and fossil fuel use while increasing plant availability—making Hybar’s minimill one of the most advanced and sustainable of its kind.
Integrated automation
SMS group’s modular, automation-based digital solutions address the industry’s need for efficient and sustainable steel production. For Hybar’s minimill, the focus is on predicting plant conditions, ensuring consistent product quality, and reducing unplanned downtime. Scalable AI- and machine-learning-based applications enable real-time data processing and continuously optimize operations, transforming the facility into a Learning Steel Plant.
The digital package for Hybar includes the DataXpert system as a central data platform for predictive asset optimization. By integrating process, automation, and sensor data across the CMT® minimill, it enables early deviation detection and condition-based maintenance, establishing the foundation for future AI-driven optimization solutions.