According to SaltX Technology, which specializes in large-scale energy storage solutions and electrification technology mainly for the lime and cement industries, the companies have signed a letter of intent, allowing for a preliminary study to take place this year.

If the result is positive, SaltX, SSAB and SMA Mineral could enter into a long-term co-operation agreement, SaltX said. 

SaltX is trying to scale up a lime production innovation it calls electric arc calcination, which aims to replace fossil fuels with renewable electricity in lime produciton. Through the SaltX process, limestone is heated to elevated temperatures, and the carbon dioxide that is then released is isolated and separated.

SMA Mineral and SaltX are working together on building an electric arc calciner, and are looking to ship 40,000 metric tons of climate-neutral quicklime to customers, primarily steel producers, in 2025. 

“SSAB is clear that they want climate-neutral quicklime for their steel production. With the new electrified production facilities, we are building together with SaltX, we have good opportunities in the long term to be able to meet the demand from both SSAB and other players,” said SMA Mineral chief executive Svante Fielding.