HYBRIT’s hydrogen storage pilot granted extension

The HYBRIT initiative was launched in 2016 by owners SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall with the aim of developing the world’s first fossil-free, ore-based iron- and steelmaking. As part of this work, a pilot facility for fossil free hydrogen was commissioned in 2022, adjacent to HYBRIT’s pilot plant for direct reduction of iron ore pellets in Luleå. HYBRIT has applied for and been granted an extension of the temporary building permit for the pilot facility until 2031, which enables the continued pilot operation of the hydrogen storage in Svartöberget, Sweden.

Fossil free hydrogen, which replaces coal and coke, is a crucial component of the production technology for fossil free iron and steel, where carbon dioxide emissions are essentially eliminated. Hydrogen storage is considered to have significant potential for reducing the production cost of hydrogen and for future power and energy balancing in large scale hydrogen production.

"It is positive that the facility will continue to be available for testing in the future. It is a unique facility, and being able to carry out additional tests when needed is of great value as the technology is scaled up. The project’s tests have shown that hydrogen storage functions effectively within the HYBRIT value chain, supporting large-scale hydrogen users. A hydrogen storage shows likely savings of around 25 - 40% of the variable operating cost for hydrogen production," said Marie Anheden, Project Manager at Vattenfall.

The extended permit makes it possible to continue exploring the potential of hydrogen storage as support within the Swedish energy system through ongoing tests. Hydrogen storage is an important piece of the puzzle to electrify industrial processes while increasing the amount of weather-dependent power. The facility’s safety, function, and performance have been successfully demonstrated since 2022. Overall, the project proves that the technology is ready for industrialisation.

"HYBRIT’s tests in the pilot facility in Luleå proves that the technology is ready for industrialisation and can help reduce production costs for hydrogen. We want to continue building knowledge and experience to further development of large-scale commercial storage facilities – next by continue developing integration with both the direct reduction process and the energy system through additional tests," commented Gunilla Hyllander, CEO of Hybrit Development.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/26022026/hybrits-hydrogen-storage-pilot-granted-extension/