HYBRIT demonstration

The HYBRIT (HYdrogen BReakthrough Ironmaking Technology) demonstration project aims to revolutionise the European iron and steel industry, by replacing fossil-based technologies with climate neutral alternatives. The project plans to replace the coal-based blast furnace technology with direct reduction based on fossil-free hydrogen. The project will produce approximately 1.2 Mt of crude steel annually, representing 25% of Sweden’s overall production, with the potential to avoid 14.3 Mt CO2e of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the first ten years of operation. A new, first-of-a-kind hydrogen production facility in Gällivare will be established, using a 500 MW electrolyser capacity powered by fossil-free electricity. The use of hydrogen enables the conversion of iron ore into sponge iron. The project will also replace two blast furnaces in Oxelösund with an electric arc furnace, using the sponge iron as the feedstock to produce high-quality steel without fossil fuels. As access to renewable energy continues to increase, the project will lead the way to a full energy transition of the hard-to-abate, iron ore-based steel production across Europe. Iron ore-based steel will remain of strategic importance for the EU as it is the main approach to produce both high quality and high strength carbon steel; and not all steel can be produced via recycling and melting of scrap steel. The project will also support the local economy and help secure jobs that are otherwise at risk if the existing steel plants would have to be discontinued to enable Sweden's transition to a climate-neutral economy. Potential territorial impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy in Gotland, Norrbotten, and Västra Götaland. Project for DG GROW to support to the preparation of Territorial Just Transition Plans in Sweden, 2021.

Duration: 01 April 2022 - 30 June 2037