The strategic collaboration ensures comprehensive development of a fossil-free steel manufacturing value chain by bringing together:
LKAB: who produces 90% of the European Union’s iron ore
Vattenfall: one of Europe’s largest energy companies
SSAB: a steel manufacturer dedicated to decarbonizing the steel industry.
HYBRIT aims to create carbon-free steel by 2026. While increased scrap collection and better energy efficiency are viable methods of making steel more sustainable, HYBRIT will address the development stages of the steel’s life cycle by cutting fossil fuel from its transition from iron into steel.
Traditional Blast Furnace Production
Sources power mainly from fossil fuels
Burns carbon and coke, the byproduct of baking coal until it becomes purely carbon
Removes oxygen from iron ore releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide
Removes impurities from the iron ore to create iron sponge, a prerequisite for steel production, releasing more iron ore
Sources electricity from wind and water power
Creates fossil-free hydrogen from water by using electrolysis powered by fossil-free electricity to reduce and remove oxygen from the iron releasing only water vapor.
The pilot program for hydrogen iron ore reduction was completed in Luleå, Sweden in 2020. LKAB Malmberget successfully created the first pellet in the fall of 2020 and is conducting trials to create the world’s first fossil-free iron.
The next step of the steel manufacturing process is the smelting of the sponge iron. HYBRIT started trials for their Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) process in 2019 that will extend until 2023. Traditionally, the sponge iron is heated in a blast furnace until it is liquified and poured into ingots. The HYBRIT EAF can also melt scraps of iron, expanding HYBRIT’s ability to recycle steel and create a more circular steel value chain.
HYBRIT's goal to create carbon-neutral steel is groundbreaking and will have significantly reduce CO2 emission, the combustion of fossil fuels is the primary emitter of CO2 into the atmosphere. Their goal is to reduce Sweden’s emissions by 10% and Finland’s by 7%, making great strides to meet Europe’s target of being climate neutral by 2050.
Shout Out to HYBRIT for collaborating to create the breakthrough innovation in fossil-free steel. Its efforts will enable sustainable infrastructure and accommodate for Earth’s growing population.
Chidera is an Analyst who delivers qualitative and quantitative human-centered solutions for clients. She is an enthusiastic, critical thinker who produces results while fostering a collaborative, innovative team environment.