Industry decarbonisation

HYBRIT; a collaboration between SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall

Fossil-free steel is happening.

Coking coal has been an essential component in steel production for more than thousand years. Today, this makes the sector one of the largest emitters of CO2. Yet change is happening. HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology) – a collaboration between steel producer SSAB, mining company LKAB and Vattenfall – started in 2017 and is aiming to transform the process.

In July 2021, SSAB Oxelösund rolled the first steel produced using HYBRIT technology, i.e., reduced by 100% fossil-free hydrogen instead of coal and coke, with good results. 

HYBRIT: The biggest change in steel production

The biggest change in steel production in over 1,000 years. Together with our partners LKAB and SSAB, we have created HYBRIT – a project for producing steel using hydrogen rather than coal.

Fossil free electricity is the key

Electrification is key to combat climate change. The aim is to more or less eliminate CO2 emissions. Watch HYBRIT – 4: Fossil free electricity is the key.

A new steel making process to eliminate CO2

HYBRIT can reduce Sweden’s CO2 emissions by 10% and Finland’s by 7% if implemented at full-scale. In 2018, the construction of a pilot plant in Luleå, Sweden, began. The full-scale fossil-free process for steel manufacturing should be ready by 2035.

The aim is to decarbonise the steel industry by replacing the coking coal (traditionally used in steel production to convert iron ore to iron) with hydrogen made from fossil-free electricity (primarily wind power) and water. A process called direct reduction will replace the current blast furnace process. The by-product will be water, which in turn can be recovered for the production of hydrogen gas.

In the summer of 2022, the rock cavern storage facility for fossil-free hydrogen in Luleå was inaugurated. The storage facility is an important part of the value chain for fossil-free iron and steel production.

News and press releases

HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå. Photo: Viveka Österman.
Photo: Viveka Österman.

EU Commissioner for Energy visits HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå

Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, visits the HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå during her visit to Sweden, to experience the world's first completely fossil-free value chain for iron...

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Construction of the rock cavern storage facility for fossil-free hydrogen in Luleå. Photo: Patrik Öhman.
Foto: Patrik Öhman

HYBRIT: A unique hydrogen storage facility in Luleå is taking shape

Construction of the rock cavern storage facility for fossil-free hydrogen in Luleå has reached the halfway point. Right now the steel lining is being installed inside Svartöberget. The stora...

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Annika Ramsköld, Head of Sustainability

Vattenfall at COP26: Will the world step up to the climate challenge?

Vattenfall recently committed to the 1.5 degree target as one of the few leading energy companies taking this critical step. Now it’s time for the countries in the COP 26 climate summit to a...

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Hybrit pilot 200602. Photo Åsa Bäcklin
Photo Åsa Bäcklin

HYBRIT’s next step receives support from Swedish Energy Agency

The Swedish Energy Agency has decided to contribute SEK 22 million in support to HYBRIT - SSAB’s, LKAB’s and Vattenfall’s joint initiative for fossil-free steel – for a comprehensive feasibi...

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Electrification, innovation and hydrogen gas reduce industry dependence on fossil fuels

Electrification, innovation and hydrogen gas reduce industry dependence on fossil fuels

Industry needs help in order to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. Vattenfall is making it happen through cooperation and partnerships with industry.

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Cecilia Hellner, Head of Public and Regulatory Affairs Nordic at Vattenfall

Vattenfall and HYBRIT in focus at the UN Climate Change Conference

The UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 is now in progress. Vattenfall is present to inspire others in the industry to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.

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HYBRIT – fossil free steel is happening

The biggest change in steel production in over 1,000 years. Together with our partners LKAB and SSAB, we have created HYBRIT – an initiative to create fossil free steel using electricity and hydrogen.

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