Photo: Illustration of one of AWS’ new data centers in Sweden. Credit: AWS
SSAB has reached a collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for deliveries of fossil-free steel. The collaboration includes pilot supplies of fossil-free steel, made with the HYBRIT® technology, for one of AWS’ three new data centers in Sweden. SSAB’s subsidiary Ruukki will supply roof and wall structures for the buildings.
AWS is currently building three new data centers in Mälardalen, Sweden. To minimize carbon emissions from the steel used, the company is mainly using steel made from recycled scrap. However, since scrap is a limited resource, AWS has also teamed up with SSAB and Ruukki to secure pilot deliveries of virgin steel made with the HYBRIT technology.
“We are thrilled to welcome AWS as a new partner. By choosing steel made with the HYBRIT technology, AWS shows it is possible to reduce the carbon footprint of data center construction regardless of whether the steel is made from scrap or virgin iron ore,” said Thomas Hörnfeldt, VP of Sustainable Business at SSAB.
The steel is made by SSAB and will be used in Ruukki sandwich panels covering part of the new AWS data center in Västerås.
“Reducing the embodied carbon associated with the construction of our data centers is a key priority for AWS as we work to achieve net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040. By partnering with innovative local companies like SSAB and Ruukki, we are taking an important step to decarbonize the materials used in our data centers and set a new standard for sustainable infrastructure. We are excited to be working with companies at the forefront of low-carbon virgin steel production,” said Kellen O’Connor, Managing Director Europe North at AWS.
