SSAB to supply fossil-free steel for world’s first carbon neutral dam gate

SSAB has signed an agreement with Vattenfall to deliver 120 tonnes of fossil-free steel for the world’s first — and largest — dam gate made with near-zero carbon dioxide emissions from the ironmaking process.

The structure, measuring 21 meters wide and 11 meters high, will serve as a large-scale demonstration of how SSAB’s fossil-free steel can be used in major infrastructure projects. The material is produced using fossil-free sponge iron, developed through the HYBRIT initiative — a joint venture between SSAB, Vattenfall, and LKAB aimed at replacing coal with hydrogen in steelmaking.

“This is an important step in our shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions,” said Thomas Hörnfeldt, Vice President Sustainability at SSAB. “Together with forward-thinking partners like Vattenfall, we continue to lead the transformation of the steel industry. HYBRIT now proves what’s possible when we work across the entire value chain.”

The agreement deepens the existing cooperation between SSAB and Vattenfall in developing fossil-free industrial solutions.

“Vattenfall and SSAB are taking a major leap in building fossil-free value chains,” said Lovisa Fricot Norén, CEO of Vattenfall’s Nordic hydropower operations. “This project supports our goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and will help extend the lifespan of fossil-free hydropower for the next hundred years.”

Source and Photo: SSAB