The characteristics and quality of the hydrogen direct reduced sponge iron are superior to those of the fossil-based approach, according to new study conducted as part of the HYBRIT project.
The test findings demonstrate that, in addition to nearly eliminating CO2 emissions, the direct reduction with hydrogen results in a product that is simple to handle, transport, and store.
SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall launched the HYBRIT initiative to create a new technology for hydrogen-based iron and steelmaking with the goal of creating a value chain free of fossil fuels from the mine to the completed steel product. At the pilot plant constructed with assistance from the Swedish Energy Agency, the HYBRIT-initiative was successful in producing the first hydrogen direct reduced sponge iron in the world in June 2021.
Direct reduced iron (DRI) with hydrogen results in a product with much better qualities and attributes, according to recent test results from the HYBRIT. When compared to direct reduced iron made with reducing gas derived from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, hydrogen-reduced carbon-free DRI is highly metallized and has better mechanical and aging properties. The European Patent Office has received patent applications from Hybrit Development AB that detail the included inventions.
