A collaboration between energy company Vattenfall and steelmaker SSAB will enable the manufacture of the world’s first dam gate made of fossil-fuel-free steel. The component will be installed at the Stornorrfors hydropower plant in 2028 as part of a technical renovation plan.
Green steel for critical infrastructure
Measuring 21 meters wide by 11 meters high, the gate will be manufactured with 120 tons of carbon-free steel. The material comes from Hybrit’s pilot plant in
Tangible emission reductions
The project represents an estimated savings of 200 tons of carbon dioxide compared to conventional methods. For Vattenfall, this initiative reinforces its goal of achieving zero net emissions throughout its value chain by 2040. At the same time, it extends the service life of its hydropower park within the framework of a sustainable energy transition.
Vattenfall and SSAB: A strategic alliance
The relationship between the two companies was previously cemented through the Hybrit project, a joint initiative between Vattenfall, SSAB and LKAB. Now, this new application demonstrates how green steel technology can extend beyond heavy industry into public and energy infrastructure.
Transformation of the industrial life cycle
For SSAB, the use of fossil-free steel in complex structural elements represents a milestone in the decarbonization of construction and hydraulic engineering. For Vattenfall, it is also an example of how to incorporate climate solutions into existing assets, optimizing their environmental impact without compromising operational safety.
Clean production with structural impact
The Stornorrfors gate will become the largest steel component ever produced with carbon-free technology. Its installation will set a precedent in the use of sustainable materials in water infrastructure, aligning civil engineering with long-term climate goals.
Source: Vattenfall