HYBRIT achieves major milestone in fossil-free steel production

The HYBRIT initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration between Swedish companies SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall, has made significant strides in its mission to transform the iron and steel industry by virtually eliminating carbon dioxide emissions. After six years of intensive research and development, the initiative has presented its findings in a comprehensive report to the Swedish Energy Agency, demonstrating the viability of its hydrogen-based technology on a semi-industrial scale.

Launched in 2016, HYBRIT aims to replace the traditional use of coal and coke in steel production with fossil-free hydrogen and electricity. This innovative process not only reduces carbon emissions but also produces direct reduced iron (DRI) with superior characteristics compared to conventional methods. The success of this initiative has the potential to reduce Sweden's total carbon dioxide emissions by over 10% and Finland's by 7%, marking a significant contribution to global efforts in combating climate change.

Groundbreaking Results from the Pilot Phase

Over the course of the pilot phase, more than 5,000 tonnes of hydrogen-reduced iron have been produced at HYBRIT's pilot plant in Luleå, Sweden. This iron, now known as sponge iron, has been tested and utilized by prominent companies such as Volvo Group and Epiroc in their vehicles, machinery, and other products. The positive reception of this fossil-free steel highlights the growing demand for sustainable industrial materials.

The final report outlines several key achievements, including the development of a hydrogen-based technology capable of producing steel with virtually zero CO2 emissions. The newly developed sponge iron boasts a high metallization degree (98-99%) and superior mechanical properties, making it more resilient during transport, storage, and melting processes. Additionally, HYBRIT has successfully demonstrated the long-term operation of alkaline electrolysers, which are crucial for the efficient production and storage of hydrogen used in the reduction process.

Martin Pei, Chief Technology Officer at SSAB and Chairman of the Board of Hybrit Development AB, expressed his pride in the project's achievements: "I am incredibly proud of everything HYBRIT has achieved since its launch in 2016. Thanks to the successful results of the pilot project, we are well on our way to fundamentally changing the iron and steel industry. At SSAB, we are now investing heavily to convert the entire Nordic production system to fossil-free steel production and have already started delivering fossil-free steel to customers on a smaller scale."

Next Steps: Scaling Up to Industrial Production

With the pilot phase successfully completed, HYBRIT is now moving into the next stage of development, which focuses on scaling up the technology to an industrial level. Hybrit Development AB will continue to support the industrialization of the process, working closely with its partner companies to integrate the technology into full-scale production.

A key aspect of this next phase is the planned construction of a demonstration plant in Gällivare, Sweden, by LKAB. This facility will be the first of its kind to produce sponge iron on an industrial scale using HYBRIT's fossil-free process. The ongoing pilot project for storing fossil-free hydrogen in Svartöberget, Luleå, will also continue until 2026, further refining the technology and ensuring its readiness for large-scale deployment.

Jenny Greberg, Vice President of Technology at LKAB and board member of Hybrit Development AB, highlighted the significance of this next step: "It has been a groundbreaking journey in a short period of time. The results from the pilot phase show that the process works and that we are ready for the next stage, where the demonstration plant that LKAB plans to build in Gällivare will be the first step towards industrial production of sponge iron. Our high-quality iron ore combined with good access to fossil-free energy provides unique conditions for establishing a competitive value chain for future fossil-free iron and steel production."

A Collaborative Effort with Global Impact

The success of HYBRIT has been made possible through strong collaboration and strategic partnerships. The project has received funding from the EU Innovation Fund, Industriklivet, and is part of the European IPCEI project Hy2Use, which includes 35 projects from 12 countries aimed at accelerating the industrial sector's transition to fossil-free production.

Andreas Regnell, Head of Strategic Development at Vattenfall and board member of Hybrit Development AB, emphasized the importance of these partnerships: "It is very gratifying to see the positive results of our targeted collaboration. Partnership is a recipe for success. The next step is to scale up to an industrial scale where fossil-free electricity and hydrogen enable the transition to a future where it is possible for everyone to transport, produce, and live fossil-free."

As HYBRIT advances towards industrial-scale implementation, it stands as a pioneering effort in the global transition to net-zero emissions in the steel industry. The project's innovative approach not only sets a new standard for sustainable steel production but also serves as a model for other industries striving to reduce their carbon footprint.

Source and Photo: Hybrit