A unique hydrogen gas storage facility is inaugurated in Luleå

The inauguration marks the start of a two-year test period as part of the Hybrit project, in which SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall are working together to develop a process for producing fossil-free steel.

Fossil-free electricity production in wind and solar power varies depending on weather and wind conditions. The hydrogen storage facility will serve as a buffer when electricity production is insufficient. The hydrogen can then be used to ensure stable production of iron sponge, which is the raw material for fossil-free steel.

"SSAB has the opportunity to transform our operations and cut 10% of Sweden’s total carbon dioxide emissions as well as 7% of Finland’s, and this will take us one step closer to our goal. The hydrogen storage facility is an important piece of the puzzle in ensuring stable steel production and a milestone in the development of HYBRIT,"says Martin Pei, CTO at SSAB.

The pilot plant is 100 cubic meters. Later, a full-scale hydrogen storage facility of 100,000 to 120,000 cubic meters may be considered. It could then store up to 100 gigawatt-hours of electricity converted to hydrogen, enough to power a full-sized iron sponge factory for three to four days.