Sweden is leading the charge in decarbonizing one of the world’s dirtiest industries – steel production. Sweden has been quietly developing and validating a groundbreaking technology. This technology uses hydrogen to forge green steel, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The HYBRIT Project: Cleaning Up Steel Production
In the direct reduction process, hydrogen reacts with the oxygen in iron ore. This reaction produces “sponge iron” without melting it. The only byproduct is water vapor. SSAB melts this sponge iron into steel in an electric arc furnace. Vattenfall’s wind farms power this furnace, resulting in carbon-neutral steel.
Vattenfall, SSAB, and LKAB’s six-year trial demonstrates promising results. The hydrogen-produced iron is not only carbon neutral but also stronger and more durable. The partners have already applied for and received several patents based on these results.
How Hydrogen Reduces Iron Oxides?
In the direct reduction process, hydrogen reacts with the oxygen in iron ore. This reaction produces “sponge iron” without melting it. The only byproduct is water vapor. SSAB takes this sponge iron and melts it into steel. This is done in an electric arc furnace powered by Vattenfall’s wind farms. The result is carbon-neutral steel.
The six-year trial conducted by Vattenfall, SSAB, and LKAB has demonstrated promising results. The iron produced using hydrogen is not only carbon neutral but also stronger and more durable. The iron is more durable than iron produced with fossil fuels. The partners have already applied for and received several patents based on these results.
Europe Faces Competition in the Global Green Steel Technology Race
Europe has been at the forefront of developing green steel technology. However, it faces stiff competition from other regions, particularly the United States. The US recently pledged up to $1 billion for two green steel projects. SSAB will construct one of these projects using the HYBRIT-developed hydrogen reduction technology.
European policymakers must act swiftly to boost funding for climate tech. They must also support homegrown innovations like the HYBRIT project. This will prevent them from maturing on foreign shores. Encouragingly, H2 Green Steel, one of Europe’s best-funded startups, plans to build their first industrial plant in Boden, Sweden. They aim to produce 5 million tonnes of green steel annually by 2030.
As the world seeks to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, green steel production is crucial. The development and scaling up of hydrogen technology will play a vital role. It will help decarbonize one of the most polluting industries. Sweden’s pioneering efforts in this field serve as an inspiring example for other nations. Other nations should follow suit and invest in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Read more: US Steel Launches Clean Steel Pilot with Turquoise Hydrogen
