This status will give high priority to obtaining the remaining permits
SSAB’s investment in a new steel mill in Luleå has been recognized as a strategic zero-emission project under the European Net-Zero Industry Act. This is stated in the company’s announcement.
“The decision, announced by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket), confirms that the project is considered to be of great importance for the future competitiveness of the EU and the union’s ability to achieve its climate and energy goals,” SSAB said.
As Carl Orrling, SSAB’s Chief Technology Officer and Head of Transformation, noted, this recognition provides greater predictability in the remaining permitting processes and facilitates the implementation of the company’s largest industrial transformation in history.
Granting this status means that the remaining permitting processes will be given high priority and clearer deadlines. All environmental requirements and assessments remain unchanged, but the processes will be more coordinated and predictable.
SSAB is investing €4.5 billion in Luleå to build a modern electrified steel mill capable of producing advanced products with a significantly lower climate impact. The new technology reduces production costs, almost completely eliminates fossil fuels in steel production, and reduces Sweden’s total carbon emissions by 7%.
In December 2024, the Luleå project received €1.45 billion in funding from the EU and Tillväxtverket, including support from the Just Transition Fund.
In November 2025, SSAB received the green light to build and operate a new steel mill in Luleå. This was confirmed in a decision by the Court of Appeal for Land and Environment. Earlier, in December 2024, it received the relevant court permission, but it was appealed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and two other organizations.
