The HYBRIT project has received an €143 million investment from the European Union.

The project, driven by SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall, will provide an industrial-scale demonstration of a complete value chain for hydrogen-based steelmaking, from mined to fossil-free steel. The funding has been injected into HYBRIT as one of seven innovative projects under the 'Innovation Fund', which aims to support project proposals that will help to change the industry landscape.

The grant consists of €108 million for a demonstration of the hydrogen direct reduction process, including fossil-free hydrogen production in Gällivare; €30 million for the demonstration of electric melting of hydrogen-based direct reduced iron in Oxelösund; and €5 million for the demonstration of fossil-free DR-pellets production for the hydrogen reduction process.

''A few years ago, the possibility of producing emission-free steel would have sounded like science fiction. Now, green steel is entering the market.''

Frans Timmermans, executive vice president of the European Commission

Frans Timmermans, executive vice president of the European Commission responsible for the European Green Deal, commented on the funding announcement in a statement: “HYBRIT (…) demonstrates how fast the green transition can happen: a few years ago, the possibility of producing emission-free steel would have sounded like science fiction. Now, green steel is entering the market.''

''Green steel has the future, and that future is already here.”

Frans Timmermans, executive vice president of the European Commission

“The support granted via the Innovation Fund is testament to the importance and potential of this technology, and the European Commission is convinced that this cutting-edge project will boost the European Union’s overall competitiveness. Green steel has the future, and that future is already here,” Timmermans continued.