Latest news with #HYBRIT
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists unlock groundbreaking technology with the potential to transform global manufacturing: 'This could be a breakthrough'
Producing steel traditionally relies on dirty energy and contributes to air pollution from burning coal and natural gas. Approximately 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions can be attributed to making steel. However, researchers are working on pollution-free steel production technology to provide a cleaner, greener alternative. As Interesting Engineering reported, scientists at SINTEF, an independent research organization in Norway, are focusing on replacing carbon with hydrogen plasma to produce metals. Hydrogen plasma has unique properties that allow it to be more reactive than standard hydrogen once heated enough to transform into plasma. In a superheated state, hydrogen can efficiently strip oxygen from metal ores. However, hydrogen plasma only releases a byproduct of water vapor. This makes the process essentially pollution-free compared to conventional steel production, which relies on carbon. "If we succeed with hydrogen plasma, we can eliminate significant CO2 emissions from the metal industry," Kristine Bly, master of science at SINTEF, said. "This could be a breakthrough for the green transition in steel production." The SINTEF researchers hope to scale the technology to impact the metal industry. They are specifically looking to apply it to ferromanganese, which is used in steel manufacturing. The researchers are optimistic that this new technology can lead to widespread pollution-free metal production if they can overcome energy consumption and cost challenges. Green hydrogen and renewable electricity have the potential to transform the construction industry and meet global demands without compromising the health of people and our planet. Other research groups have been working on making steel more sustainable with the HYBRIT process in Sweden and Boston Metal's molten oxide electrolysis. At SINTEF, there's hope that transitioning from carbon to hydrogen plasma will impact global supply chains. The researchers believe this technology could reduce the demand for metallurgical coke and increase the demand for renewable energy, which is used to power the plasma process. They encouraged further research and innovation in this field to make hydrogen plasma technology economically viable. Does seeing a product labeled with its carbon footprint make you more likely to buy it? Definitely Only if the carbon footprint is small Only if I understand the label Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. With cost-effective clean energy, governments and institutions are better positioned to achieve their clean energy goals. Meanwhile, people living near steel manufacturing facilities would have healthier air to breathe with fewer pollutants and toxins from the production processes. The SINTEF researchers also recommended close collaboration between the steel industry and governments and financial support through grants and incentives to reduce companies' initial burdens. Once implemented, companies will need to train their workers to use the new technology, and educational institutions must adapt their curricula to prepare the future workforce. Finally, they pointed out that this research comes from a Norwegian socio-economic perspective and that global economic effects may be mixed, at least for now. "Norway experiences positive impacts on value-added and employment, but globally, sectors like mining and coke production decline due to reduced demand for coke, affecting countries like Denmark, Brazil, Nigeria, and the USA," the researchers wrote. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aspo's ESL Shipping and SSAB extend long-term cooperation of raw material transports
Aspo Plc Press release March 19, 2025 at 9:00 amAspo's ESL Shipping and SSAB extend long-term cooperation of raw material transports ESL Shipping, subsidiary of Aspo Plc and global steel manufacturer SSAB have agreed on a multi-year extension of the agreement covering SSAB's inbound raw material sea transports within the Baltic Sea and from the North Sea. In addition, the new contract covers transport of SSAB's fossil-free sponge iron produced with HYBRIT technology including the possibility of fossil-free shipments. The sea transport volume covered by the agreement is estimated to be 6–7 million tons annually. 'We are extremely pleased to continue our long-term sea transport partnership with SSAB. Our strategy is based on sustainability leadership and together we share the common vision for fossil-free sea transports', says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping. 'SSAB appreciates the long-term collaboration with ESL Shipping, and the recent extension secures the unique needs of coming years raw material supply for our Nordic operations, with high focus on continuous improvements of energy-efficiency and sustainability.', says Jani Verkasalo, Procurement Director of Raw materials and Energy, SSAB. With this agreement, the companies continue the long-term work to improve efficiency and reduce emissions of SSAB's raw material logistics. ESL Shipping is well-prepared to support SSAB in their transition to fossil-free steelmaking. The company announced in October it would invest around 186 MEUR for four 17,000 dwt multipurpose vessels, which can operate fossil-free using green methanol. 'This extended cooperation with SSAB offers strong evidence that ESL Shipping strategy is productive. We have made major investment decisions during the past years, the latest in handy-sized vessels that can operate on hydrogen-based E-fuel and earlier in electric hybrid coaster sized vessels. I am glad to see that these investments are well received by our customers', says Rolf Jansson, CEO of Aspo Plc and Chairman of the Board, ESL Shipping. ESL Shipping aims to be at the forefront in supporting its industrial partners towards delivering entirely fossil-free products and services. The competitiveness of the next-generation vessels is based on increasing customer preference towards fossil-free cargo solutions over time, market-leading energy efficiency, efficient and flexible cargo space design and lower operating costs. Aspo Plc Rolf Jansson CEO Further information, please contact:Rolf Jansson, CEO, Aspo Plc, tel. +358 400 600 264, Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping, Distribution: Key media Aspo creates value by owning and developing business operations sustainably and in the long term. Our companies aim to be market leaders in their sectors. They are responsible for their own operations, customer relationships and the development of these aiming to be forerunners in sustainability. Aspo supports its businesses profitability and growth with the right capabilities. Aspo Group has businesses in 17 different countries, and it employs approximately 800 professionals. Attachment 19.3.2025 Press releaseSign in to access your portfolio
