Alfa Laval and SSAB to produce the first heat exchanger from green steel

Alfa Laval has signed an agreement with SSAB, the global Swedish steel company, to collaborate on developing and commercialising the world’s first heat exchanger to be made using fossil-free steel.

The goal is to have the first unit made with hydrogen-reduced steel ready for 2023. The collaboration is also an important step in Alfa Laval’s journey to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Global steel production accounts for 7% of the world’s carbon emissions. With a leading position in high-strength steel, SSAB’s upcoming fossil-free steel made with HYBRIT technology will be a breakthrough for the industry as it transitions to more sustainable operations.

Alfa Laval’s energy-efficient heat exchangers, used in industrial processes worldwide, are made of 40% steel and are up to 50% more efficient than traditional technology. This means that they can save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. Energy efficiency could, in fact, deliver more than a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions until 2040, according to International Energy Agency (IEA), with 50% of that energy efficiency saving coming from the industry sector.

Tom Erixon, President and CEO of Alfa Laval, said, “By bringing together their fossil-free steel and our energy-efficient heat exchangers, we can contribute to the industry’s transformation towards carbon neutrality.”

Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO of SSAB, said, “With this collaboration we´re reaching new segments, and hopefully inspiring a whole new range of customers.”