SSAB plans to build HYBRIT plant in the US

SSAB has moved forward in an application process with the US Department of Energy for funding of up to USD 500 million. The funding would make it possible to build a HYBRIT plant to produce fossil-free sponge iron using fossil-free hydrogen instead of fossil fuels.

“We are pleased to have our project selected by the DOE for negotiations to accelerate decarbonization of the iron and steel sector. We see a great interest in sustainable products from the market and this project offers a critical opportunity to solidify a first-mover advantage for the U.S. industry,” says Chuck Schmitt, President of SSAB Americas.

It would enable SSAB to increase its sustainable supply chain for steel products in the US. It would also advance the US renewable energy transition goals, in line with the "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law" and the "Inflation Reduction Act."

The project will also explore the possibility of expanding the capacity and use of renewable energy at SSAB's steel mill in Montpelier, Iowa.

In northern Sweden, HYBRIT's pilot plant in Luleå started production of fossil-free sponge iron in 2020. The following year, SSAB started delivering fossil-free steel. A demonstration plant for industrial-scale sponge iron production is now being built in Gällivare, close to LKAB's iron ore mine.

SSAB is running the HYBRIT project together with state-owned mining company LKAB and state-owned energy company Vattenfall.

Lennart Håkansson

editor@northswedenbusiness.com