ABB to Support GreenIron’s Fossil-Free Metal Production in Sweden
ABB has been chosen by GreenIron, a Swedish company specializing in materials reduction technology for the mining and metals industries, to provide automation and control system solutions for its first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
Fossil-Free and Energy-Efficient Metal Production
GreenIron’s innovative hydrogen-based reduction technology aims to enable fossil-free and energy-efficient metal production. The technology produces fossil-free sponge iron, which can be used in steelmaking and other metal industries. A single furnace will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 56,000 tonnes per year, compared to traditional coal-based methods, with water as the only byproduct. Scaling up to 300 furnaces could offset around 35% of Sweden’s annual CO₂ emissions.
ABB's Role in Enabling Scalability and Efficiency
The integration of ABB’s Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS) will play a key role in scaling GreenIron’s operations. This powerful automation platform will manage the entire industrial process, integrating control, safety, and power management into a unified system. With this system, GreenIron will gain complete plant visibility, enabling optimizations, improved efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
Supporting Circular Production Processes
GreenIron’s approach to circular production will allow for the extraction of valuable raw materials from both residual products (such as landfills and industrial residues) and virgin ore. The sponge iron produced can then be used in steelmaking, smelting plants, and foundries, closing the loop in metal production.
Comments from GreenIron and ABB
Ulrika Molander, Chief Operating Officer of GreenIron, stated:
“The collaboration with ABB is critical as we scale up our operations and begin commercial production. ABB’s system will help stabilize our processes, allowing us to make informed decisions and analyze data for future growth. It’s an exciting milestone for us.”
Martin Björnmalm, Local Business Line Manager for Metals, ABB Process Industries Sweden, added:
“Together with GreenIron, we are advancing sustainability goals that the metals industry and society demand. This project aligns with our commitment to creating leaner and cleaner industrial solutions. Our technologies are scalable for future growth, and we are using our mining and metals expertise to ensure efficiency through centralized control, scheduling, and resource modeling.”
Compatibility with Renewable Energy Sources
ABB and GreenIron’s solutions are designed to be compatible with renewable, intermittent power sources such as solar and wind. The goal is to contribute to a CO2-free value chain in metal production, from ore extraction to steelmaking. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the metals and mining industries account for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions.
The Importance of ABB's DCS Technology
As industries increasingly embrace digital transformation, ABB’s System 800xA will remain crucial in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations. The system will enable real-time data collection, delivering valuable insights for better decision-making. ABB’s DCS technology has been integral to process and energy industries for over 40 years, helping companies optimize their operations for sustainability and efficiency.