> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/materials-reimagined/leadership-in-the-spotlight.md).

# Leadership in the spotlight

<figure><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/UJfQcLCb9R7GfkC11vLSJWcPr6IPDaZbXb4OSn-g9kYBqghdrqAsiTzGFoTu20gBvjS1G6KcZ-cDdur2jGgf3TWROuJx_6zIGU0Y2VwHs6Xmu-8p-AwxDTWSuOvIVFFAU9aXxBRyDxgnKCZ1hSWkfUA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image: Picture from the inauguration of the world’s first facility for fossil-free hydrogen gas storage, in Luleå, Sweden. Source: <a href="https://www.hybritdevelopment.se/en/hybrit-a-unique-underground-fossil-free-hydrogen-gas-storage-facility-is-being-inaugurated-in-lulea/">www.hybritdevelopment.se/</a>  </p></figcaption></figure>

In Sweden, an ambitious [fossil-free steel initiative under the name HYBRIT](https://d2w000003xziaeai.my.site.com/onegenerationproject/s/fourrevs-case/a022w00000SO4l6AAD/decarbonizing-the-steel-industry-focus-on-hybrit-sweden) \[29] produces green steel from green hydrogen. HYBRIT stands for Hydrogen Breakthrough Iron Making Technology. The technology first aimed to be a working solution by 2035, when it should produce one metric ton of steel per hour, expected to expand to 200 tons per hour \[29].  HYBRIT’s [pilot plant facility](https://www.hybritdevelopment.se/en/hybrit-a-unique-underground-fossil-free-hydrogen-gas-storage-facility-is-being-inaugurated-in-lulea/) of 100 cubic meters helps understand how large-scale hydrogen storage works.&#x20;

The solution is a big milestone for the steel industry, as this material is responsible for around 2 billion tons of CO2 and accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.&#x20;

“HYBRIT technology replaces the blast furnace process, which uses coal to remove oxygen from the iron ore, with a direct reduction process that uses fossil-free hydrogen gas. Instead of carbon dioxide, the by-product turns into water.”

If it wasn't for collaborations, this initiative could not be possible. Hybrit is leading the future of sustainability in the steel industry as a result of a Swedish alliance between steel maker SSAB, state-owned utility Vattenfall and iron supplier LKAB. SSAB aims to be the first in the world to market fossil-free steel, starting 2026. Together, they aim to create the world´s first value chain for fossil-free steel, but ultimately, they are laying out the core pillar for future sustainable industrial strategies. Partners from other industries came on board for collaborations - the Volvo Group manufactured the [world’s first fossil free vehicle](https://www.volvogroup.com/en/news-and-media/news/2022/jun/volvo-group-and-fossil-free-steel.html) using Hybrit and is now using it in parts of their commercial line products. This is in line with Volvo’s own stated goal to achieve net zero by 2040.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?ab_channel=VolvoGroup&v=OsBxDBgnKgY>" %}

HYBRIT is an outstanding example of global leadership, systems thinking and breakthrough innovation when it comes to materials. In a relatively short time (it started in 2016), HYBRIT became a technology whose implementation is not so distant in the future anymore. It can completely change the carbon footprint of our entire lifestyle, infrastructure, transportation, tools, and many others. Improving the fabrication of steel paves the way for a regenerative future.

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