SSAB and Mercedes-Benz launch partnership to introduce fossil-free steel

Together, SSAB and Mercedes-Benz are launching a partnership to introduce fossil-free steel into vehicle production as early as possible: The first prototype parts for body shells made of SSAB´s fossil-free steel are already being planned for next year. By 2039 at the latest, the Mercedes-Benz new passenger car fleet will become carbon dioxide-neutral along the entire value chain.

In 2026, SSAB plans to supply the market with fossil-free steel at a commercial scale after the conversion of its Oxelösund blast furnaces to an electric arc furnace and by using HYBRIT technology, which replaces coking coal, traditionally needed for iron ore-based steelmaking, with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. This process virtually eliminates carbon dioxide-emissions in steelmaking.

“We are extremely happy to welcome Mercedes-Benz as a partner for fossil-free steel products. Together, we are building an entirely fossil-free value chain all the way to the end customer,” said Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB. “We are proud to reduce global carbon dioxide-emissions in collaboration with our new partner.”

SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall created HYBRIT, Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology, in 2016, with the aim of developing a technology for fossil-free iron- and steelmaking. In August 2021, SSAB was able to show the world´s first fossil-free steel plate made from hydrogen-reduced iron produced at HYBRIT´s pilot plant in Luleå, Sweden, an essential step toward a completely fossil-free value chain for steelmaking.

Source and Photo: SSAB