To reduce carbon emissions generated by iron and steel smelting, MCC was retained to design and deliver the world’s first hydrogen metallurgy project. As a pioneer initiative, the project presented a large, complex engineering workload across various industries and disciplines, a compact layout, and high safety requirements on a short design cycle. To address these challenges, MCC sought a collaborative design and construction management approach and realized they needed to establish an open connected data environment. They selected Bentley’s design, construction management, and digital twin technology to streamline workflows and perform construction simulation, avoiding 216 potential clashes. The digital twin helped MCC complete the project in two years, shortening the construction period by 33.33%. Through virtual planning, they optimized the shaft furnace structure, saving CNY 4.3 million, while reducing annual carbon emissions by 800,000 tons. The successful digital twin project validates the use of hydrogen as a low-carbon solution for iron and steel production.