Inside Clean Energy reports that a joint venture between a steel company, a mining company, and an electricity producer, known as HYBRIT, has succeeded in a pilot program to produce a form of iron using an almost-emissions-free process. By using renewable energy to produce hydrogen, then using that hydrogen with iron ore pellets, they have produced what is known as “sponge Iron,” which Martin-Lindqvist, the president and chief executive officer of SSAB, called “a critical step on the road to fossil-free steel.”
SSAB is a global steel company based in Sweden and one of the partners behind HYBRIT. Martin-Lindqvist said, “The potential cannot be underestimated. It means that we can reach climate goals in Sweden and Finland and contribute to reducing emissions across Europe.”
The newsletter commented, “Corporations throw out words like “breakthrough” way too often, but this time it may be warranted. The steel industry is responsible for 7 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, with most of the world’s steel produced by burning coal or natural gas in blast furnaces.”
Jeffrey Rissman, of the think tank Energy Innovation, said ArcelorMittal of Luxembourg has a plant in Hamburg, Germany, that is working on a process similar to that of HYBRIT. “This is, I think, the real thing. It’s a good thing that they they’re doing this and investing in this.”
SSAB recently announced a partnership with Volvo, which could become one of the companies buying the cleaner steel.
The initiative has government support, with both Sweden and Finland setting emissions rules that force the steel industry to transform itself in order to preserve industry jobs in the face of climate change.
Budget Protesters Arrested
New Hampshire State Police arrested five activists who refused to leave the Executive Council Chambers at the State House following a day of budget protests. Most were members of Rights and Democracy NH: Asma Elhuni of Lebanon, Ali Brokenshire of White River Junction, Vermont, Dana Hackett of Laconia, and James Graham of Lyme. The fifth person arrested gave only her first name, “Joy.”
Hackett called the proposed budget “immoral” for including a ban on the discussion of “divisive concepts,” restrictions on abortion, and inclusion of a school voucher program. The activists were calling for Governor Chris Sununu to veto the budget.
Prior to her arrest, Hackett said, “I will stay here until the governor either confirms he will veto this budget or I will get arrested. That’s how strongly I feel.”
Infrastructure Deal Reached
President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators have reached an agreement on infrastructure spending that includes commonly accepted items such as roads, railways, bridges, and broadband internet. Biden dropped his request to extend the definition of infrastructure to child care funding and tax credits for families, which he called “human infrastructure.”
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