LKAB and Hitachi Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a long-term collaboration to support LKAB’s electrification and shift toward fossil-free production.
As an initial step, Hitachi Energy will supply technology and equipment for electrical power management at LKAB’s planned demonstration project for sponge iron production in Gallivare. The partnership will focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in power transmission and energy management, particularly for the demonstration plant and associated hydrogen facilities.
The MoU outlines joint efforts to advance industrial-scale electrification and implement hydrogen-based direct reduction technology for sponge iron production. Hitachi Energy, with more than a century of expertise in electrification and advanced grid solutions, brings capabilities in transformers, high-voltage systems, and grid connections tailored to fossil-free mining and steelmaking. Combined with LKAB’s industry leadership, the collaboration aims to drive innovation, lower carbon emissions, and deliver long-term impact across the value chain.
The Gallivare demonstration plant, based on Hybrit technology, is designed for an annual output of 1.35 mln tons of sponge iron, with expansion plans targeting 5.4 mln tons in the future.
