GreenIron, a Swedish company specializing in sustainable metals production, has partnered with ABB to implement advanced automation and control systems at its first commercial facility in Sandviken. The facility will utilize GreenIron’s patented hydrogen-based reduction technology to produce fossil-free metals.
The collaboration focuses on integrating ABB’s distributed control system (DCS), which will oversee the industrial process by combining control, safety, and power management functions. By leveraging the DCS, GreenIron aims to enhance operational visibility, optimize production through data-driven insights, and improve decision-making processes.
GreenIron Chooses ABB for Automation at Sandviken Facility
GreenIron’s technology converts residual materials and virgin ore into sponge iron, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional coal-based production methods. The company estimates that each furnace using its process can reduce carbon emissions by approximately 56,000 tonnes annually, with water as the only byproduct.
“The collaboration with ABB is a crucial step in our scale-up and growth as we commence commercial production,” said Ulrika Molander, COO of GreenIron. “ABB’s system will enable us to make informed decisions, stabilize operations at every stage, and analyze data for our continued journey.”
Advancing Sustainability Goals
Martin Björnmalm, Local Business Line Manager for Metals at ABB Process Industries Sweden, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Together with GreenIron, we are working to meet the sustainability demands of the metals industry and wider society. This project highlights our commitment to helping industries transition to cleaner and more efficient processes.”
Through this collaboration, ABB will provide scalable technologies that support future expansions. ABB’s expertise in mining and metals will play a key role in ensuring productivity and efficiency, utilizing centralized control rooms, production scheduling, and cost and resource modeling.
Reducing Carbon Footprint in the Metal Industry
Both companies are developing technologies that integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources, fostering a low-carbon value chain in metal production. The metals industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, accounting for a significant percentage of worldwide output, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
ABB’s DCS has been a cornerstone in process and energy industries for over 40 years, enhancing safety and operational efficiency while providing real-time data and analytics for informed decision-making. This collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving more sustainable industrial processes in metal production.
