21 March 2025
Luleå University of Technology at the forefront of a just and sustainable transition
The university has been awarded substantial funding through the Just Transition Fund and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. Through multiple research projects, the institution contributes to the development of sustainable industrial processes and a fossil-free future.
Luleå University of Technology plays a central role in the industrial transition in northern Sweden. Through a range of research projects funded by the Just Transition Fund and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, the university provides knowledge and innovation to accelerate the shift to a fossil-free industry. In total, the university has been granted more than SEK 80 million in research funding, and together with partners, the total funding exceeds SEK 100 million.
"This funding allows us to take a comprehensive approach to the green transition. Our research spans from fossil-free steel production and energy storage in abandoned mines to efficient metal recycling and circular industrial processes," says Jens Hardell, Professor of Machine Elements at Luleå University of Technology.
Project managers for the bets. Top row: Erik Olsson and Jens Hardell. Bottom row: Thomas Aiglsperger and Ping Zhang.
Research for a Fossil-Free Future
Among the funded projects is FINAST, a research initiative aimed at developing new processes and material solutions for a carbon-neutral steel industry. Other projects explore how abandoned mines can be used for hydrogen storage, how recycled steel can be integrated into future manufacturing processes, and how critical metals can be extracted and recycled to reduce dependence on fossil resources.
The Just Transition Fund is part of the EU’s efforts to support regions and industries affected by the shift to a more sustainable economy. The projects at Luleå University of Technology are carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners, ensuring that research has a direct impact on Swedish and European industry.
"It is crucial that we drive research and development to strengthen industrial competitiveness while reducing its climate impact. The projects we are working on now demonstrate how research can contribute to both sustainability and technological innovation," says Jens Hardell.
Projects funded by the Just Transition Fund and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth:
- FINAST – Aims to develop new processes and material solutions for fossil-free steel production. The project is conducted in collaboration with the industry and focuses on how fossil-free steel can be used in manufacturing processes and products, as well as how hydrogen and bio-based raw materials can be integrated into production.
- SUV – Investigates the potential for using abandoned mines for large-scale hydrogen storage. In collaboration with LKAB and Vattenfall, the project will develop technical guidelines for safe and efficient storage, contributing to a stable energy supply in the fossil-free industry.
- CO2-NiCE – Focuses on increasing the use of recycled steel by managing variations in material properties. The goal is to enable a more circular steel production by improving sorting, analysis, and recycling processes.
- CRM-V – Works to secure the supply of critical and strategic metals needed for the green transition. The project covers the entire value chain, from exploration and mining to metal recycling, with a particular focus on nickel and cobalt resources in Västerbotten.
- Green Steels – A collaborative project between KTH and Luleå University of Technology aimed at developing the fossil-free and sustainable steel products of the future. The research focuses on creating advanced materials through sustainable production processes and recycled raw materials.
Contact
Erik Olsson
- Associate Professor
- 0920-492143
- erik.1.olsson@ltu.se
- Erik Olsson
Ping Zhang
- Professor
- 0920-493016
- ping.zhang@ltu.se
- Ping Zhang
Thomas Aiglsperger
- Associate Professor
- 0920-491016
- thomas.aiglsperger@ltu.se
- Thomas Aiglsperger
Jens Hardell
- Professor, Vice Dean
- 0920-491774
- jens.hardell@ltu.se
- Jens Hardell
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