• SSAB intends to reduce the climatic impact of metals used in car-making through this partnership.
• The aim is to provide the market with fossil-free steel at the commercial level by 2026.

Global steel firm SSAB recently revealed that it has teamed up with Daimler's Mercedes-Benz to integrate fossil-free steel into car production, with prototype body shell parts scheduled for next year.

This collaboration is part of Mercedes-Benz's strategy to become a sustainable and carbon-neutral premium car brand in the industry. The luxury carmaker expects its new passenger car fleet to be carbon-neutral along the value chain by 2039.

The Swedish steelmaker intends to begin commercial production of fossil-free steel in 2026, using the HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology) framework to replace coking coal, which is required for iron ore-based steelmaking, with hydrogen and electricity.

This year, in July, SSAB's Sweden base produced the first steel using HYBRIT technology with good results, which is now being delivered to their first customer, the Volvo Group.  Swedish miner LKAB, Swedish state-owned utility Vattenfall, and SSAB founded and own the green steel venture HYBRIT.

It is worth noting that previously, in June, SSAB and Volvo Cars had collaborated to investigate the development of fossil-free steel for use in the auto sector.

SSAB is increasing its efforts to promote sustainable practices by continuously enhancing its present line of steel products while also working on the world's first fossil-free steel.

The company has made significant progress in using hydrogen to replace fossil-fuel-powered processes in steel production. Furthermore, replacing fossil fuels in the steel industry would have a significant environmental benefit, as the steel industry now accounts for 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

SSAB anticipates being completely fossil-free steel by 2045. Other car manufacturers across the globe are anticipated to follow suit soon.

Source Credits –

https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/cars/mercedes-benz-teams-up-with-ssab-to-explore-fossil-fuel-free-steel-for-cars/85827521