Breakthrough fossil free steelmaking by zero-addition melting of H2-DRI in EAF (ZABREA)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Polestar Performance AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 645 942 |
| Project duration | November 2025 - July 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Research and development projects within Techological Action Areas in the Swedish Metals and Minerals program |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the project is to enable a breakthrough in fossil-free steel production by improving the Electric Arc Furnace, EAF, process for Hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron, H2-DRI. This project represents a significant improvement over current international practices by reducing emissions, process complexity, waste and consumable costs, all while maintaining or improving steel quality. Project goals: 1. Scientific and process understanding 2. Process Validation and Technical Feasibility
Expected effects and result
Concrete, industrially relevant results, methods and data based on pilot-scale trials conducted at Swerim’s EAF facility. These deliverables will form a foundation for further development, industrial implementation, and contribute to Sweden´s leadership in fossil-free steel production. 1. Validated pilot-scale melting method for H2-DRI processing with reduced additives 2. Industrial-scale data on process stability, energy and emissions 3. Dissemination and stakeholder engagement materials
Planned approach and implementation
This project will investigate how the EAF process can be redesigned to reduce slag and carbon additions. WP1 Coordination WP2 Preparation of Pilot Trials and Material Characterization WP3 Execution of pilot-scale resource-efficient EAF trials WP4 Process evaluation and industrial verification roadmap Pilot trials at Swerim in Luleå will verify the technical feasibility and commercial potential of this innovative approach.