For centuries, artisans, crafters, and smelters created steel by mixing coal and iron at temperatures surpassing 1,600°C. By using coal, this process inevitably contributes to carbon dioxide production and global warming. Calls for going green include steel production as well.
For example, McKinsey & Company found that every ton of steel produced in 2018 contributed, on average, 1.85 tons of carbon dioxide, or 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions for that year. Enter: Hydrogen.
What Is Green Steel?
Swedish start-up Hybrit is now answering the going green call through “green steel.” Instead of using coal, they add hydrogen to manufacture sponge iron. Sponge iron offers little utility, except that it is ultimately processed into steel.
Their demonstration facility for this hydrogen-based is due to be constructed in Vitåfors, Sweden, by 2026. Currently, Hybrit is researching the best location and design to minimize their future environmental impact.
The necessary hydrogen is produced on-demand through electrolyzing water and adding it to the reduction shaft. This eliminates coal, its carbon footprint, and its associated transportation.
Hybrit’s new process produces less than 10 percent of carbon dioxide emissions relative to traditional steel production.
The carbon-conscious and electric vehicle worlds are eagerly looking forward to further news on Hybrit’s demonstration plant as they lead the charge into green manufacturing.