Research within HYBRIT

At the beginning of 2017, a four-year research program was launched that took the initial steps to reach the long-term goal of producing fossil-free steel. The development work has been carried out with the support of the Swedish Energy Agency. The results have been important when HYBRIT took further steps towards development on a pilot and demonstration scale, and were summarized in the spring of 2021. The program included both practical experiments on a laboratory scale and analyzes in several different research areas.

The purpose of HYBRIT`s research is to investigate and evaluate possible ways to make the energy-iron-steel value chain fossil-free and thus provide a basis for future industrial strategies. It will be a change where the industry must work together with decision-makers, consumers and other actors. This gives Sweden a unique position, and a responsibility, to take the lead in the transition to fossil-free iron and steel production.

Towards a greener future

HYBRIT`s research program included different work packages. Below you can read more about the various parts of the research on the way to fossil-free iron and steel production.

Under Read more about the research , you can download and read the articles published within different work packages.

Delivery of fossil-free electricity and the effects on the electricity system

Here, the conditions for the supply of fossil-free electricity are evaluated, including by simulating the effects of the HYBRIT concept on the current electricity system. The project has also reviewed the possibilities of supporting the transition to fossil-free electricity production by balancing the system and ensuring stability in the electricity grid. How production cost and flexibility are affected by installed capacity for production and storage of hydrogen was also analyzed.

The work package`s partners are Vattenfall with the support of LKAB and SSAB.

Production and storage of hydrogen

Here, a value chain is developed for efficient and safe production of hydrogen. The renewable energy used provides a safe, sustainable and cost-effective access to hydrogen. Here, the conditions for the production of hydrogen gas on an industrial scale for use in the value chain for fossil-free steel are also examined. An important parameter for a cost-effective production and use of hydrogen is the ability to store it. Storing hydrogen provides an opportunity to stabilize the energy system by producing hydrogen when there is a lot of electricity, for example when it is windy, and using stored hydrogen when the electricity system is stressed. The project also investigated questions about material selection and solutions for safe underground storage.

The work package`s partners are Vattenfall and KTH.

Production of fossil-free iron ore pellets

Here, the conditions are created for a fossil-free production of iron ore pellets in the processing plants. The project has investigated the possibilities and effects of different heating methods to replace the fossil fuels used today. In the sub-project, the possibilities to make energy and raw material use more efficient in the entire system between pellet production and reduction of iron were also evaluated.

The work package`s partners are LKAB, Luleå University of Technology, Swerim and RISE ETC with support from Vattenfall and SSAB.

Hydrogen-based reduction of iron ore

Here, it is studied how iron oxide in the iron ore can be reduced by hydrogen-based techniques. The idea is that these will replace today`s technology that is based on the use of coal and coke. The project investigates the influence of the properties of the reduction gas and the handling of iron sponges that are created in the reduction process.

The work package`s partners are LKAB, KTH and Luleå University of Technology with support from Swerim and RISE ETC.

Steel production from hydrogen-reduced iron ore

Here it is studied how the product that arises in the direct reduction process – sponge iron – can be melted in an electric arc furnace for use in the steelmaking process. The project examines how different components react in the process and can be handled, as well as to what extent today`s electric arc furnaces need to be further developed for this new production process.

The sub-project`s partners are SSAB and KTH with support from LKAB and Luleå University of Technology.

Facing the market

Ways and strategies are explored here to realize the transition to hydrogen-based iron and steel production with fossil-free energy. Such a transition requires changes in technical systems and integrations as well as in business models. The work package analyzes points of intersection between technology, infrastructure, markets and society at large, for example how regulations and forms of support affect the possibilities for change.

The work package`s partners are Lund University, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Swerim with support from SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall.