Potential transitions in the iron and steel industry in Sweden: Towards a hydrogen-based future?

The iron and steel industry accounts for one third of global industrial CO2 emissions, putting pressure on the industry to shift towards more sustainable modes of production. However, for an industry characterised by path dependency and technological lock-ins, sustainability transitions are not stra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cleaner production 2018-09, Vol.195, p.651-663
Main Authors: Karakaya, Emrah, Nuur, Cali, Assbring, Linda
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
HYBRIT
Hydrogen
Innovation systems
Steelmaking
Sustainability transitions
Sustainability transitionsTypology
Typology
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Summary:The iron and steel industry accounts for one third of global industrial CO2 emissions, putting pressure on the industry to shift towards more sustainable modes of production. However, for an industry characterised by path dependency and technological lock-ins, sustainability transitions are not straightforward. In this study, we aim to explore the potential pathways for sustainability transitions in the iron and steel industry. To do so, we have conducted a case study in Sweden where there are policy and industry commitments towards fossil-free steel production. Our theoretical points of departure are the technological innovation system (TIS) approach and the multi-level perspective (MLP), and our paper presents the dynamics behind an emerging case of transition towards a hydrogen-based future. The paper has two major contributions to the literature on sustainability transitions. First, it attempts to borrow some concepts from the MLP and integrate them with the TIS approach. Second, it empirically presents an in-depth case study of the iron and steel industry – an understudied context in the field of sustainability transitions. By doing so, it sheds some light on the dynamics between an emerging TIS and potential transition pathways of a regime. •This article explores the potential transitions in iron and steel industry in Sweden.•The article borrows some concepts from the MLP and integrate them with the TIS approach.•Transition towards Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology, HYBRIT, is expected.•The key actors, SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall, strongly collaborate for HYBRIT.
ISSN:0959-6526
1879-1786
1879-1786
DOI:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.05.142