Zero-emission steel lays the foundation for the next era of human development
Dek: The steel industry is at a turning point as the global climate crisis approaches. One company has risen to the challenge by introducing the first ever zero-emission form of material.
From the early experiments of the ancient Hittites in forging iron(opens in new tab) in the construction of modern skyscrapers, steel has been the catalyst of progress for centuries. Known for its abundance and durability, the material has been essential to the development of infrastructure, equipment, and machinery throughout human history, enabling societies to thrive and flourish.
But now, the steel industry is at an inflection point. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the sector is responsible for 7% of the world’s CO₂ emissions(opens in new tab). However, there is a huge opportunity for steel to contribute to some of the world’s most promising climate solutions: It is currently used in solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and more. As the IEA says, “Iron needs energy, and the energy system needs steel.”
To address such a paradox, engineers are now working to develop more sustainable steelmaking methods. This is an important step towards preserving the planet while continuing to drive innovation and development.
SSAB(opens in new tab), a specialized steel company, is an entity that is actively working on such solutions. The company recently announced the launch of the SSAB Zero(opens in new tab)™ — the world’s first zero-emission steel made from recycled raw material and produced using completely fossil-free energy sources.
Paving the way for a fossil-free steel future
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute(opens in new tab), scrap-based production in arc furnaces accounts for 70% of US steel production today. But SSAB Zero’s flotation process uses exclusive fossil-free electricity in its electric arc furnace— effectively reducing the material’s carbon emissions to zero.
To make the product, an electric arc furnace is fed with scrap metal. Oxygen blasts as well as lime and slag foamers are then introduced to form the slag. Finally, the molten iron comes out of the tapping spout. Fossil-free electricity is used throughout the process. The Swedish company Volvo Group has signed a delivery agreement for SSAB Zero steel which has already been launched.
There is a lot of demand for such steel. The global green steel market, worth $83.4 million in 2021, is expected to rise to $386.1 billion by 2031, according to Allied Market Research.(opens in new tab). It makes sense that the demand is sky high, because iron is always present in our homes, schools, hospitals, bridges, and vehicles that take us to all those destinations.
The automotive industry in particular needs green steel solutions, as the material is a component of everything from car chassis to electric car batteries. As manufacturers around the world race to lower carbon emissions in the automotive sector, they are increasingly aware of the potential of green steel – and indeed, major automakers such as Ford and Mercedes-Benz are putting orders for SSAB Fossil-free™ steel.
Credit: SSAB
A groundbreaking moment for green steel
By developing a zero-emission steel, SSAB is not only translating the industry but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. According to the IEA, global demand for steel is expected to grow by more than a third of current levels by 2050 – and a more sustainable solution will be absolutely critical to ensure that carbon emissions in industry does not rise alongside it.
As SSAB continues to innovate and refine green steel production methods, the company is poised to be a driving force in the transition towards a more sustainable future. The introduction of SSAB Zero marks a new era for the industry – and a new notch in the timeline of steel’s great contributions to human progress.
Credit: SSAB
Learn more(opens in new tab) about SSAB Zero and how SSAB is changing the future of green steel.
