Sustainability

Sweden Presents The World’s First Fossil-Free Steel

Sweden presents the world’s first fossil-free steel – The first fossil-free steel in the world is not just a breakthrough for SSAB, it is proof that it is possible to adjust and greatly reduce the climate footprint of the steel industry globally, says Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB.
Nordic Business

From mine to steel. Swedish SSAB has now produced the world’s first fossil-free steel of iron from LKAB and delivered to customer. The delivery is an important step to a completely fossil-free value chain for iron and steel production and a milestone in the HYBRIT collaboration between SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall. During the month of July, SSAB successfully produced the first steel with HYBRIT technology, from iron from LKAB which has been reduced by 100 percent hydrogen instead of with coal and coke. The steel is now delivered to it first customer, the Volvo Group.

– The first fossil-free steel in the world is not just a breakthrough for SSAB, it is proof that it is possible to adjust and greatly reduce the climate footprint of the steel industry globally. We hope this can inspire others to also want to increase the pace of the green transition, says Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB.

FACTS/HYBRIT project:

• The HYBRIT initiative was started in 2016 by the three owners SSAB, LKAB and Vatenfall.

• With the HYBRIT initiative, SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall intend to create one completely fossil-free value chain from mine to finished steel, with fossil-free pellets, fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. The initiative has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent in Sweden and 7 percent in Finland. The steel industry in the world today stands for 7 percent of total global carbon dioxide emissions.

• Fossil-free iron and steel production with HYBRIT technology, corresponding current production level for SSAB, will require approximately 15TWh per year. It presupposes faster and more predictable permit processes for the expansion of Sweden’s electricity network and electricity production.

LKAB is an international mining and minerals group that offers sustainable iron ore, minerals and special products. The LKAB Group employs more than 4,500 employees in 12 countries and had a turnover of approximately SEK 34 billion i 2020.

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