SSAB achieves IEA threshold for near-zero CO₂ emissions steel with hydrogen-reduced iron
SSAB has reached a major milestone in green steelmaking: its SSAB Zero™ steel, produced with hydrogen-reduced iron using HYBRIT® technology, has become the world’s first near-zero CO₂e steel to meet both the International Energy Agency (IEA) near-zero steel threshold and the First Movers Coalition (FMC) standards.
The announcement was made during GE Vernova’s Annual Wind Supplier Conference, where the companies revealed that SSAB Zero will be used in GE Vernova’s onshore wind towers.
Sustainable production process
SSAB Zero steel is already commercially available, manufactured at SSAB’s Montpelier, Iowa facility. It uses:
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Recycled scrap metal
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Fossil-free electricity
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Biocoal and renewable natural gas
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Hydrogen-reduced iron integrated into the process
This innovation enables SSAB Zero to meet the IEA’s requirements for near-zero emissions steel.
Industry impact
The development represents a critical milestone in decarbonizing steel production and underlines GE Vernova’s effort to reduce emissions across its supply chain. Both SSAB and GE Vernova are active members of the First Movers Coalition.
Chuck Schmitt, President of SSAB Americas, emphasized:
“SSAB Zero gives our customers confidence that they’re not compromising on quality while advancing sustainability. Our partnership with GE Vernova shows our leadership in clean energy and a secure domestic steel value chain.”
Guy Lynch, VP of Wind Sourcing and Sustainability at GE Vernova, added:
“This verified near-zero steel supports our mission to electrify, thrive, and decarbonize. Together, we are building a sustainable and secure energy economy.”
Noam Boussidan, FMC Programme Head, said:
“SSAB’s achievement demonstrates industry transformation, while GE Vernova’s procurement leadership accelerates the impact.”
Applications and future outlook
SSAB is committed to eliminating fossil CO₂ emissions from its own operations and to supporting customers in meeting their climate goals. SSAB Zero steel is designed for a wide range of applications, including automotive, mining, agriculture, construction, heavy equipment, transportation, and energy infrastructure.
