AWS Joins SSAB in Pioneering Fossil-Free Steel Use for Swedish Data Centers

AWS Joins SSAB in Pioneering Fossil-Free Steel Use for Swedish Data Centers

(IN BRIEF) This partnership between SSAB and AWS is a significant step towards decarbonizing the materials used in critical infrastructure. By adopting cutting-edge technology like HYBRIT, AWS is not only taking meaningful action toward its sustainability goals but also leading the way for other companies to follow suit in creating greener, more efficient building practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 27-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — SSAB has announced a new collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to supply fossil-free steel for AWS’s upcoming data centers in Sweden. This agreement marks a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions from the construction of data centers. As part of the partnership, SSAB will deliver pilot supplies of steel produced using its innovative HYBRIT[®] technology, which eliminates fossil fuels in the steelmaking process. Additionally, SSAB’s subsidiary Ruukki will provide roof and wall structures for the buildings.

AWS Sets a Green Benchmark for Data Center Construction

The new AWS data centers are being built in Mälardalen, Sweden, and the company is focusing on minimizing the carbon footprint of their construction. While AWS has already committed to using steel made from recycled scrap—known to have lower emissions than traditionally produced steel—it faces limitations in sourcing sufficient scrap. As a solution, AWS is partnering with SSAB and Ruukki to secure pilot deliveries of virgin steel produced with HYBRIT technology.

“We are excited to welcome AWS as a partner in our journey toward fossil-free steel production. Their commitment to using steel made with HYBRIT technology demonstrates that reducing the carbon footprint of data center construction is possible, whether the steel is produced from scrap or virgin iron ore,” said Thomas Hörnfeldt, VP of Sustainable Business at SSAB.

The HYBRIT Technology: A Game-Changer in Steel Production

HYBRIT, developed by SSAB in collaboration with LKAB, an iron ore company, and Vattenfall, an energy provider, is a groundbreaking method of producing steel. This technology replaces the traditional blast furnace approach, which relies on carbon-intensive coking coal, with hydrogen produced using fossil-free electricity. The result is sponge iron, which is then processed into steel. Unlike traditional steelmaking, this process emits only water vapor rather than carbon dioxide, drastically reducing CO2 emissions.

The steel produced with HYBRIT technology will be used in Ruukki’s sandwich panels, which will form part of the infrastructure for AWS’s new data center in Västerås, Sweden. This partnership aligns with AWS’s ongoing commitment to reducing the embodied carbon of its data centers as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon operations by 2040.

Collaborating for a Greener Future

AWS’s Kellen O’Connor, Managing Director Europe North, emphasized the importance of reducing embodied carbon in the construction of data centers: “Reducing the embodied carbon associated with the construction of our data centers is a key priority for AWS. By collaborating with local innovators like SSAB and Ruukki, we are not only advancing sustainable construction practices but also setting a new standard for low-carbon infrastructure.”

The steel industry accounts for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions, with both virgin and recycled steel production contributing to this figure. SSAB aims to revolutionize this process and create a completely fossil-free value chain by working alongside forward-thinking customers and partners.

Media Contacts:

Anna Molin
press officer at SSAB
anna.molin@ssab.com
+46 76 110 46 76

Christofer Bjorkvall
Head of AWS PR, Europe North & MENAT
bjorkvac@amazon.com

Per Göransson
Business Director, Building Envelopes, Scandinavia Ruukki Construction
per.goransson@ruukki.com

SOURCE: SSAB