In this instance, HYBRIT, a ground-breaking initiative in Sweden, is making bold moves to replace the coke, the standard material used for current steelmaking – with hydrogen produced from renewable electricity.

If successful, HYBRIT will dramatically transform the traditional landscapes of steelmaking, according to the worldsteel. Taking a step towards the future of zero environmental impact, POSCO Newsroom presents worldsteel, “Revolution at the heart of green steelmaking.”

A low-carbon pilot steel production facility in northern Sweden could drastically reduce the industry’s carbon emissions.

In June 2018, a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony took place at the site of a pilot steel plant in Luleå, Northern Sweden. It marked the start of a project which is hoped will eventually lead to a revolution in steelmaking – the reduction of the factory’s carbon emissions to virtually nil.

The project, called HYBRIT – HYdrogen BReakthrough Ironmaking Technology – aims to replace the coke that is traditionally used in steelmaking with hydrogen produced from renewable electricity. Both coke and hydrogen can be used as a reducing agent to remove impurities from iron ore. In traditional steelmaking, the carbon in coke reacts with the oxygen in iron ore to form carbon dioxide. If hydrogen is used instead of coke then it reacts with the oxygen in iron ore to form…water vapour.

“Sweden has good access to renewable electricity, easy access to water, Europe’s highest-quality iron ore, and a specialised, innovative steel industry”
– Mårten Görnerup, CEO of HYBRIT

Those involved in the project believe it has the potential to significantly decarbonise the steel industry in Sweden and elsewhere. Indeed, the steel industry as a whole has been continually striving to improve the efficiency of its processes, and producing a tonne of steel now takes 40% of the energy it required in 1960.

HYBRIT is a joint venture between SSAB, the largest steel producer in the Nordics, LKAB, Europe’s largest iron ore producer, and Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest electricity producers. If the project is successful, it has the potential to reduce Sweden’s total carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent, and Finland’s by seven percent.

Mårten Görnerup, CEO of the joint venture company, explains the project timeline: “A pre-feasibility study began in 2016 and now we are building the pilot plant and will run tests between 2020 and 2024.

“By 2028, we will scale up to a demonstration plant which will run as an industrial facility operating 24/7 for months. All being well, the goal is to have an industrial process in place by 2035.”

▲ The symbolic groundbreaking for the HYBRIT project, which could significantly lower steel-making’s carbon footprint

l Right Place, Right Time

Currently, the majority of hydrogen is produced through a process called steam reforming, which involves using high temperature steam to extract hydrogen from natural gas, a fossil fuel. What is special about the HYBRIT process is that all the hydrogen is obtained by passing an electric current through water in what is called electrolysis. Although this is energy intensive, if the required electricity can be sourced renewably then the carbon emissions in the whole process are negligible.

Sweden was therefore an ideal location for HYBRIT due to a combination of factors. “Sweden has good access to renewable electricity, easy access to water, Europe’s highest-quality iron ore, and a specialised, innovative steel industry,” says Gornerup. “The signing of the Paris Agreement and the decision in the national parliament that Sweden would phase out fossil fuels for electricity production by 2045 means the timing is also perfect.”

The plant will be used to run experimental campaigns to find the optimum conditions for reduction. The work will give a clearer understanding as to what happens within an interconnected industrial system and how to achieve an efficient production process.

Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB, adds: “HYBRIT is a significant part of the road towards SSAB’s sustainability goals, and the report from the pre-feasibility study shows not only that is it possible to carry out this initiative, but it can also create exciting future opportunities for us as a company. We want to be part of the solution to the problem of climate change.”

▲ Vattenfall operates a number of hydropower facilities

l Counting the Cost

HYBRIT has been extensively supported by the Swedish government and in June, received the largest ever financial contribution from the Swedish Energy Agency for a pilot project – a total of 528m Swedish krona, equivalent to €51.3m.

While initial research suggests HYBRIT’s production costs will be around 20 to 30 per cent greater than traditional steelmaking processes, that gap is expected to shrink over time, with the potential for increasing costs for carbon dioxide emissions through the European Union Emissions Trading System, and an expected decline in the cost of renewable energy.

If HYBRIT is successful, the implications for the future of steelmaking globally could be significant. Görnerup concludes: “We are entering a new era for the steelmaking industry. Of course, the technology requires large amounts of cheap renewable electricity, which today is not available in all parts of the world. But reducing iron ore without using coking coal would be a massive shift in the industry and have major positive implications in our fight against global climate change.”

For more information visit hybritdevelopment.com
Images: Hybrit Development, SSAB, Vattenfall
Video: SSAB

The original content published on the worldsteel’s ‘Our Stories’ section is available at: https://stories.worldsteel.org/innovation/sustainability-fossil-free-steel-factory/

POSCO hopes the team will be able to fully invest in training and perform to the best of their ability at the upcoming games.

The Rise of the Korean National Para Ice Hockey Team

While the Korean National Para Ice Hockey Team is now receiving more funding and exposure, their journey was not always smooth-sailing. As seen in the 2014 Korean documentary Parallel, the Korean para ice hockey athletes have faced many difficulties along the way. But, in facing their adversity with hard work, perseverance, and determination, they have found success as they prepare for the upcoming 2018 Winter Games.  

2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada

Until 2010, sledge hockey at the Winter Games had been dominated by Canada, the U.S., Norway, and Sweden. Starting at the Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010, the world started to notice the potential of Korean para-athletes as they finished in 6th place in their first Winter Games. Following the Vancouver Winter Games, the team continued their success from 2011-2013 at multiple international tournaments. These wins helped add momentum and build expectations for the team as they prepared for the Winter Games in Sochi.

Korea defeated Sweden 4-2 in the 2013 Para Ice Hockey Qualification Tournament held in Torino, Italy (Courtesy of Svenska Parasportförbundet Sveriges Paralympiska Kommitté)

2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia

In 2014, Korea’s ice sledge hockey team returned to the Winter Games. In their first match, Team Korea defied expectations with a 3-2 defeat of the hometown team and ultimate silver medalist, Russia.  However, after that monumental win, multiple team members suffered a series of injuries that helped lead to subsequent losses to the US, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Although the team won their 7th place match 2-0 against Sweden, players could not hide their disappointment.

Dongshin Jang, who scored the final goal in the match against Sweden, cited the team’s many injuries as one of the reasons for defeat adding, “We tried our best to win the medals in order to be recognized and get the support we need. We did well considering our conditions, but I cannot hide my disappointment.”

2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang, Korea

In 2018, Team Korea will have a home rink advantage as the games come to PyeongChang. As they prepare to participate in the 2018 Winter Games, they have shown great progress. Just one year after their humbling defeat at Sochi, Team Korea defeated Poland 15-0 at the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships, the most points ever scored in a World Championship game.

Korea’s ice sledge hockey team pose for a team photo at the 2013 Para Ice Hockey Games held in Torino, Italy. (Courtesy of Luc Percival)

Team Korea’s training is in full swing as they are aiming to be one of the top five teams in the 2017 World Championships A-Pool. Trials will be held in Gangneung, Korea, from April 11-20, 2017. If Team Korea takes one of the top five slots, it will directly qualify for the PyeongChang 2018.

POSCO is supporting Team Korea to allow them to focus on their training for 2018. Team Korea has already succeeded far beyond expectations and POSCO is honored to be supporting such a talented team.   

Skating on Steel Sledges

Para ice hockey began at a rehabilitation centre in Stockholm, Sweden, during the early 1960’s. It was started by a group of Swedes who wanted to continue playing hockey despite not being able to skate anymore. Para ice hockey made its official debut on the world stage during the 1994 Lillehammer games.

Sledges for para ice hockey, made of steel, are set on two blades usually made of tempered steel. (Courtesy of Randykwapis)

Instead of skates, players use double-blade sledges that are typically made of steel. They are 0.6m to 1.2m in length with a curved front end and a seat for the athletes. The sledge was modified to be set on two 3 mm blades, which are usually made of tempered steel that allows the puck to pass underneath the sledge. Players use two sticks to propel the sledge over the ice and to hit the puck. The design, weight, and strength of the player’s equipment are critical. The ability for the sledge to withstand the weight of the players and strong impacts is critical. The steel used in the sledge can make a crucial difference to their performance as it impacts control on the ice and the durability of the blades.  

What is SkyCube? 

SkyCube will provide an accessible means of transportation to experience the great natural surroundings found in Suncheon. Suncheon Eco Trans’ SkyCube was made possible through investments between POSCO and Suncheon City’s Private Enterprise Investment Agreement. As the nation’s first PRT, it is a big deal. SkyCube runs for 4.64 km from Suncheon’s Dream Bridge to Suncheon’s Literature Center. The path that it runs is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Suncheon.

Pictured here: PRT car passing through the track

SkyCube has a total of 40 cubicles and is a unique system in that it allows the surrounding environment to be preserved. The implications of these benefits may prove to be beneficial for transportation systems built in the future.

Reasons to Visit Suncheon

 Pictured here: PRT routes in Suncheon that preserve the natural environment

Suncheon is a unique wetland ecosystem that needs to be preserved as much as possible. SkyCube passengers can enjoy superb views of Suncheon. The area in which SkyCube runs is a vast natural wetlands area with 120 native marsh plants and over 240 species of migratory birds. It is currently registered within the Ramsar Convention which is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. In 2006, the Korean Tourism Organization selected Suncheon as one of the top 5 wetlands in the world.

Pictured here: Suncheon Bay Garden (Photo from http://bit.ly/PJSJTB)

Besides, Suncheon Bay Garden, which opened on April 20, became a landmark after successfully completing the very first Korean garden festival, ‘Suncheon Bay Garden Expo 2013’. Suncheon Bay Garden consists of Cypress Forest and Autumn Tint Path and more, divided into sections in accordance to the tree species and features various themed attractions such as Meditation Path and Meditation Place. While there are many places to visit throughout the Korean peninsula, many people recommend the ‘ecological tourist travel course’ in Suncheon.  

Pictured here: Suncheon Eco Trans opening ceremony

What is the Significance of SkyCube?

In January 2011, POSCO and Suncheon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the basis of jointly developing technology for the nation’s unique state-of-the-art transportation system. A test track was set up in Sweden and the system performance was verified to meet the safety requirements of northern Europe. The culmination of these efforts was precisely “SkyCube”.

 Pictured here: Beautiful natural scenery as scene from the PRT

The technology behind SkyCube is more economical compared to former technologies as the train can be controlled 24 hours without human involvement. With the same transportation capabilities, PRT are more cost-efficient in terms of construction as well as operating costs. SkyCube advantage is it is an eco-friendly solution since the PRT system runs on electric energy 100% and therefore does not generate exhaust emissions.

Moreover, polyurethane coated wheels were used in lieu of steel wheels in order to reduce noise and preserve the natural environment.

For these reasons, this state-of-the-art transportation technology seamlessly fits in with the natural ecosystem.

Pictured here: Internal arrangement of the PRT which is being seen as the future for eco-friendly transportation

The Advantages of the PRT System

Pictured here: PRT cars waiting at a station

PRT is an ecofriendly alternative to the regular public transport system. The system covers all necessary elements for the best green transportation solution including punctuality, safety, reliability, accessibility and privacy. Installation and operation is possible even in urban areas and short interval stops, with distance of 1 to 2 minutes, is achievable.

Unlike existing public transportation that runs on predetermined timetables, PRT runs based on passenger needs. At times when there are not many passengers, empty cars will wait before passing through stops and during rush hours, nearby cars will be called to meet service needs. Passengers do not need to wait over one minute for the PRT. Like taxis, passengers can get on the PRT and travel to their final destination without making stops in between. Passengers can have their privacy and travel within efficient timeframes.

System installation costs about 1/10^th of the cost it takes to build subway systems. They are also 1/3^rd the cost of light rail train systems and capacity is about the same. Because operation of PRT is automatic, cost efficiency is high and costs can be further reduced if cars are not operated when there are no passengers. PRT is an advantageous solution for development of new cities or new routes or advancements to existing routes.

Capable of being constructed with 90cm of concrete, 60cm of steel, the PRT tracks have the flexibility to be installed on main roads as well as sharp curves.

Pictured here: SkyCube passing through a station

Foreign PRT Systems

First developed in the 1970s, a small track rail system for 20 people was developed at Morgantown West Virginia University. PRT (Personal Rapid Transition) and GRT (Group Rapid Transition) were used as routes to connect the college campus with the city.

This was followed by further developments in Japan, France and Germany. Of these, the Cabintaxi developed in Hamburg, Germany, was the most advanced. The Cabintaxi developed in 1970 was in commercialization stage in 1980 however due to German government budget issues, the full development was postponed indefinitely.

By 1990, the PRT was a step closer to becoming fully commercial, but was not readily available still. Many studies were in place, however many were stopped. Systems under current operation were ULTra in England and 2getthere in Netherlands.

Thus, SkyCube is a superior operating system that supplies electricity to the track by using a third rail. In addition, compared to competing systems, it has already received safety system certification and is recognized in the world market for excellence and responsiveness.