Abstract: A method for reducing iron ore in the direct reduction method, in which the iron ore to be reduced is conveyed through a reduction unit such as a reduction shaft and is brought into contact with a reduction gas; the reduction gas is brought into the reduction unit and flows through the unit; after flowing through the unit, it is taken from the unit; after exiting the unit, the gas is prepared and possibly enriched with new gas components and is fed back again; and the generated gas is heated before entry into the reduction unit, characterized in that the heating of the reduction gas prior to the entry into the unit is carried out in an electrical fashion.