SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall have announced that their joint-venture Hybrit project is moving forward to start construction in 2023. The plant will be the first-ever fossil-free steelmaking plant of a commercial scale, Kallanish learns from a statement.

The first demonstration plant on an industrial scale should be ready to operate in 2025. The intention is to have an initial capacity of just over 1mt/y of steel.

The location of the first plant is currently being investigated, but first indications point toward Norrbotten in Sweden. “Consultation with government agencies, organizations and the public will begin in June and conclude in September 2020. The choice of location will have a major impact on future competitiveness and climate benefits. Investment decisions will be made once the authorization procedure and other investigations have been completed,” the statement said.

HYBRIT’s pilot phase will run in parallel with the demonstration phase. In Luleå, where SSAB has its mill, the pilot plant for fossil-free steel will be fully constructed during this summer. Preparations are also under way to initiate construction of a temporary hydrogen store in order to test the technology for storing hydrogen in caverns.