Important contributions to research on environmental technologies

Four feasibility studies focusing on ecologically sustainable technology at Luleå University of Technology have been awarded SEK 250,000 each from the Sveriges ingenjörers miljöfond (Swedish Engineers' Environmental Fund).

The four studies are as follows:

Life cycle assessment

Research leader Pia Åkerfeldt, Assistant Professor of Engineering Materials

A complete life cycle assessment is necessary to assess the environmental impact of products, materials and processes. Information is needed on raw materials, energy consumption, transportation, emissions and waste management for each phase of the life cycle. Calculations of climate impact, pollution levels, resource use and other relevant indicators can then be made. The aim of the feasibility study is to initiate an investigation, together with SSAB and others, on how detailed life cycle assessment can be effective in the development of more circular and sustainable solutions in the green transition in the North.

Oxygen as a by-product of hydrogen production

Kentaro Umeki and Andrea Toffolo, Professors of Energy Engineering

A number of industrial companies in northern Sweden will soon need to use very large amounts of hydrogen, and Norrbotten could become a hub for hydrogen production. A by-product of hydrogen production is the large amount of oxygen produced. Oxygen is a valuable raw material that has many potential uses in the industrial and energy sectors. The feasibility study will explore how oxygen can be used to make certain industrial processes more efficient and environmentally friendly to further accelerate the green transition.

Product innovation in battery manufacturing

Research leader: Anna Öhrwall Rönnbäck, Professor of Product Innovation

There is a great need for product and production innovation in battery manufacturing. At the same time, a risk of skills shortage is seen in northern Sweden, which risks becoming a barrier to the industry's development. The preliminary study will analyse what is required to realise a battery test line and how such a line can then be developed and shared by academia, industry and the public sector to provide the greatest possible effect to meet the great knowledge and skills needs at, among others, Northvolt in Skellefteå.

Important and rare metals in Swedish mining deposits

Research leader: Mathis Warlo, Associate Senior Lecturer in Ore Geology

Gallium, germanium and indium are three critical metals that are not mined anywhere in Europe. The metals are important for the manufacture of solar cells, among other things. The metals can be found in existing Swedish mineral deposits and in mining waste and further exploration is seen as a great opportunity. The feasibility study will be conducted in collaboration with Boliden AB, among others, and aims to start an investigation into how these important metals could be extracted in an environmentally friendly way in Sweden and thus contribute to the green transition.

Facts about the Environmental Fund

The Swedish Engineers' Environmental Fund was established in 1993 with the aim of supporting projects, student work and research that contribute to improving the physical environment in Sweden and the surrounding area.