LKAB, together with SSAB and Vattenfall, has taken the initiative for a carbon-free steel production

2018-02-02

Feb. 2, 2018 - LKAB, together with SSAB and Vattenfall, has taken the initiative for a carbon-free steel production.

In 2016, SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall joined forces to create HYBRIT – a joint venture project that endeavours to revolutionize steel-making. HYBRIT aims to replace coking coal, traditionally needed for ore-based steel making, with hydrogen. The result will be unique: the world’s first fossil-free steel-making technology, with virtually no carbon footprint.

In spring 2018 a pilot plant for fossil-free steel production will be planned and designed in Luleå and the Norrbotten iron ore fields, 250 km north west of Luleå. The goal is to have a solution for fossil-free steel by 2035. A successful HYBRIT means that together we can reduce Sweden’s CO2 emissions by 10% and Finland’s by 7%.

Steel is an essential part of modern society and as the world's population grows, the need for steel will also increase. Steel plays a major role in our modern lives – from cutlery, mobile phones and medical equipment to cars, buildings, railways and bridges. Things not made of steel are most likely produced by machines or tools made of steel. 

What makes steel so amazing is its properties. Depending on the ingredients, steel can either be soft, malleable, hard or brittle. It can be forged, rolled, heated and cooled to fit most purposes. Another advantage of steel is that it is durable and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties.

At the same time, steel production emits large amounts of CO2 emissions and these need to be reduced in order for us to tackle climate change. The steel industry in Sweden and Finland has already made major efforts in recent years to reduce its negative impact on the environment. To take this a step further, SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall joined forces in 2016 to solve the problem. The solution is called HYBRIT – a great step towards an almost fossil-free steel production.

HYBRIT is a unique project and the first of its kind. If the project succeeds, it will contribute to Sweden’s national climate goal, to be fossil-free by 2045. In addition to this, the method offers great opportunities if applied in other industries. To succeed, however, national support is required from government, research institutes and universities. The Swedish Energy Agency has so far contributed SEK 60 million to the project. SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall have invested the same amount so far.