SSAB Starts Pilot Plant for Fossil-Free Steel

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Leading steelmaker SSAB, in partnership with LKAB and Vattenfall, announced startup of its pilot plant for the production of fossil-free sponge iron. The partnership, that makes use of HYBRIT technology, was initially announced in 2016. The technology replaces coking coal with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen.

The Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Löfven inaugurated the plant in the presence of Isabella Lövin, Minister for Environment and Climate and Deputy Prime Minister. The dignitaries who participated in the inauguration ceremony included Martin Lindqvist- President and CEO of SSAB, Jan Moström- President and CEO of LKAB and Magnus Hall- President and CEO of Vattenfall.

The HYBRIT technology offers the world’s first fossil-free steelmaking technology, with virtually no carbon footprint. It aims to help Sweden and Finland achieve their national climate goals. The partnership aims to reduce Sweden’s CO2 emissions by 10% and Finland’s by 7%.

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Incidentally, SSAB targets to cut its carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden by 25% by as early as 2025 by converting its Oxelosund blast furnace to EAF. By 2040, it plans to convert the blast furnaces in Luleå, Sweden and Raahe, Finland, which in turn will eliminate most of the remaining emissions. The Americas operations will offer fossil-free steel products by 2026, said the company press release.