HYBRIT project has demonstrated that large-scale storage of fossil-free hydrogen gas is not only technically feasible but also economically beneficial.
Conducted by SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall, and supported by the Swedish Energy Agency, this initiative marks a significant step toward decarbonizing the iron and steel industry, which currently contributes to approximately 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. By utilizing fossil-free electricity and hydrogen, HYBRIT aims to markedly reduce emissions in Sweden and Finland, potentially lowering them by 10% and 7% respectively.
Central to HYBRIT’s success is the pilot facility in Luleå, Sweden, where a steel-lined rock cavern stores hydrogen gas, offering a prototype for industrial-scale applications. The facility has operated with remarkable effectiveness. A total of 3,800 hours of hydrogen storage was achieved, with the system operating at 94% availability. This has been pivotal in illustrating how hydrogen storage can stabilize industrial gas supply amid fluctuating electricity market conditions. Hydrogen is produced when electricity costs are low and stored for use when prices rise, a strategy that has cut variable operating costs by 26-31% in real-world conditions. Looking ahead, simulations project potential savings of 25-40% once commercial plants are operational in Sweden.
However, foundational challenges such as material selection were faced. The choice of steel to seal the rock cavity has proven its resistance to hydrogen, crucially preventing gas leakage across the facility’s operational periods. Safety, functionality, and performance assessments, including accelerated mechanical tests equating to 50 years of use, have cemented the technology’s credibility and its readiness for commercial scaling. The steel-based approach also promises reliability in long-term hydrogen gas storage, providing a robust template for future developments.
Industrial Electrification
The project’s broader significance lies in its potential to electrify industrial processes. As Mikael Nordlander of Vattenfall emphasizes, hydrogen storage integrates renewable energy more effectively, enhancing flexibility in the electricity system and proving fundamental in weather-dependent energy scenarios. Moreover, Jenny Greberg of LKAB acknowledges this initiative aligns with the company’s strategy for carbon-free products and processes. While LKAB’s decision on adopting hydrogen storage is pending, the pilot’s findings provide strong grounds for future considerations.
Importantly, HYBRIT’s efforts benefit from strategic financial structuring. The Swedish Energy Agency’s support covering 22% of the hydrogen storage project’s costs enabled its development and testing. This funding model showcases how government-industry collaborations can drive progress and bolster innovation in the energy sector.
Despite the project’s successes, the path to full commercial implementation requires ongoing refinement. HYBRIT has extended its program through 2026 to gather further data and refine commercial hydrogen storage design. Gunilla Hyllander of Hybrit Development AB underscores the importance of these continual assessments to build upon existing knowledge and enhance industrial applications.
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