Volvo Group turns to H2 Green Steel for near-zero emission steel

In April 2021, Volvo Group first announced it had signed a collaborative agreement with steel maker SSAB for fossil-free steel, with ongoing collaboration between the two companies for vehicle production. Now, in another step forward on its path toward a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions value chain by 2040, Volvo Group has signed an agreement with H2 Green Steel to collaborate on near-zero emission steel to be used in production of commercial vehicles.

Volvo announced a collaboration agreement with H2 Green Steel for zero-emission steel to be used in production of commercial vehicles. (Photo: Volvo Group)

Under the long-term agreement, Volvo Group will purchase steel from H2 Green Steel’s new plant in Boden in Northern Sweden, with near-zero emission steel production planned to start the end of 2025 and deliveries beginning in mid-2026. The steel will be used in the manufacture of trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Volvo Group is a founding member of the First Movers Coalition, which has committed to have at least 10% of all steel purchased annually be near-zero emissions by 2030. It noted that, as commercial vehicles increasingly move to electrified solutions, the environmental footprint of the supply network and production becomes increasingly important. Near-zero emission steel focuses on reducing emissions to a point where the environmental impact is significantly minimized if not eliminated.

“Collaborations which support our work to reduce emissions are crucial on the path towards net zero. Steel is a big contributor to the footprint of our products, and working together with both established and new players for developing decarbonized materials is key to advancing our progress in sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions,” said Andrea Fuder, chief purchasing officer of Volvo Group.

“The commercial vehicle industry has actively been driving the demand for green steel, validating the market interest,” added Henrik Henriksson, H2 Green Steel CEO. “When an undeniable large player like Volvo Group, working at the forefront of sustainable change, places a customer order it’s a clear sign of confidence in both our company and our product.”