Ekinsu is a materials engineer from Ankara, Turkey, with a strong interest in sustainability and environmental issues. After studying Metallurgy and Materials Engineering at Middle East Technical University, she joined the EIT RawMaterials SUMA master’s programme, where she combined advanced materials science with a broader systems perspective on sustainability. During her studies in Milan and Leuven, she explored topics ranging from semiconductors and solar cells to life cycle assessment, which sparked her interest in understanding materials challenges beyond the laboratory scale.
She is currently doing her PhD in the SeMPeR group of Prof. Karel Van Acker, focusing on the life cycle assessment of HPSR (Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction) technology within the H2PlasmaRed project.
So, what exactly are you working on in your PhD?
I do not work directly in the lab or focus on detailed process engineering. My research looks at how future steelmaking technologies may develop under different technical and policy conditions. I mainly focus on hydrogen-based steelmaking in Europe, especially Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction (HPSR), which is still under development.
I study how uncertainties could affect the technology once it reaches industrial scale. For example, what happens if hydrogen availability is lower or higher than expected? How would this influence costs and competitiveness? I also look at how HPSR could compete with other emerging steelmaking routes by building future scenarios for the steel sector.
For readers unfamiliar with it, what is HPSR technology?
HPSR, or Hydrogen Plasma Smelting Reduction, is a new steelmaking technology that uses hydrogen plasma to melt and reduce iron ore in one step. In traditional blast furnaces, coal is used, which creates large CO₂ emissions. With HPSR, hydrogen replaces coal, and the main by-product is water vapour. Hydrogen plasma is created using electricity and electric arcs at very high temperatures. In this state, hydrogen contains highly reactive ions that interact very efficiently with iron ore, leading to faster reaction kinetics and making it possible to process lower-grade ores.
Another low-carbon steelmaking route is hydrogen-based DRI-EAF, which is now growing in Europe. Compared to DRI, HPSR could work with lower-quality ores and simplify production by combining several steps into one process. However, the technology still strongly depends on future hydrogen and electricity availability and prices.
Is HPSR technology already on the market?
HPSR is still in development and is not yet used at industrial scale. At the moment, the technology is around TRL 5, meaning that small pilot reactors are already functioning, mainly in Austria. These are still proof-of-concept systems and are not yet fully optimised for large-scale steel production.
The next step is scaling up towards TRL 7 before 2027. Another pilot project is currently under development in Luleå, Sweden, where researchers are exploring how existing Electric Arc Furnaces could be modified to inject hydrogen plasma. If development continues successfully, HPSR could potentially reach industrial scale around 2040.
Do you think HPSR has real potential to become part of future steel production?
I think HPSR is a very promising technology because it could enable much cleaner steel production. At the same time, its future strongly depends on hydrogen availability and energy costs, so economic feasibility is also very important.
This is one of the key questions in my research. Our preliminary results show that policy support plays a major role. Mechanisms such as the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism are increasing the cost of CO₂-intensive steel production. Since HPSR could avoid most direct carbon emissions, it may become more competitive as carbon prices rise.
What advice would you give to people who want to contribute to a more sustainable future?
I think sustainability should not feel distant or only connected to large political decisions. Small choices in everyday work also matter. No matter which field you work in, it is always possible to think a bit more about environmental impact alongside technical or economic goals.
How has your experience of living in Belgium been over the past four years?
I have really enjoyed living in Belgium. Since spring is here, I especially like taking advantage of the beautiful cycling paths. I enjoy cycling a lot, and I appreciate the cycling culture and how easy it is to move around by bike.
What I miss most is my family, and sometimes I also miss having brighter Turkish winters with less grey weather.
What keeps you motivated when things do not go as planned, as often happens in research?
One thing that motivates me is the promise I made to myself when I started my PhD. I wanted to do my best and finish it in a meaningful way, and I still try to keep that in mind during difficult moments.
I also feel very privileged to work in a field that combines my background in metallurgy with my interest in sustainability. So when research becomes frustrating, I remember that not many people get to work on something they genuinely care about.
