The fossil-free iron and steel production starts in the mine. Within HYBRIT, we have developed the manufacturing of iron ore pellets by using non-fossil fuels instead of today’s fossil fuels. The goal of HYBRIT is to develop fossil-free pellets, which requires a change of heating technology in the refining process.
The fossil free pellet production has been developed at LKAB’s pellet plant in Malmberget, Sweden, during 2020-2021. In the pellet plant, bio oil has been used to switch to 100 percent renewable fuel. HYBRIT supplemented LKAB’s existing plant in Malmberget with a special tank for bio oil as well as associated piping systems. It is the world’s first fossil-free pellet plant. In autumn 2020, successful trials to produce the world’s first iron ore pellets with fossil-free fuel were conducted and the development is now taking the next step.
As part of the HYBRIT concept, trials with other alternative heating techniques have also being carried out, such as hydrogen combustion and electric heating technology. These trials took place at Swerim in Luleå.
Join us for a virutal visit to the pilot facility in Malmberget, you will also get a quick view of our complimentary trials with other fossil free fuels.