Volvo CE delivers first fossil-free steel construction machine
In the latest step on its path toward carbon neutrality , Volvo Construction Equipment ( Volvo CE ) became the first manufacturer to deliver a construction machine , built using fossil-free steel from SSAB , to a construction customer . It will operate in NCC ’ s quarry at Södra Sandby in Skåne , Sweden .
The A30G articulated hauler built using fossil-free steel was handed over by President of Volvo CE , Melker Jernberg , to longstanding customer NCC on 1 June 2022 , at a ceremony hosted by LeadIt – the Leadership Group for Industry Transition – in conjunction with the United Nations environmental meeting Stockholm + 50 . It was attended by John Kerry , U . S . Special Presidential Envoy to Climate , and Annika Strandhäll , Swedish Minister for Climate .
The move came just nine months after the company unveiled the world ’ s first vehicle concept using fossil-free steel , as part of the testing of the implementation in an ordinary production set-up . While commercial introduction is expected to be gradual with selected customers , this speedy first handover is an important
milestone in the Group ’ s ambition to drive industry transformation towards global climate goals .
The A30G is produced at Volvo CE ’ s Braås facility in Sweden , using the existing manufacturing process , with fossil-free steel from Swedish steel company SSAB . The articulated hauler will operate at NCC ’ s quarry in Södra Sandby near Lund , where it will help to produce stone materials for new roads , infrastructure and construction projects .
Tomas Carlsson , CEO and President of NCC , said : “ NCC has a firm commitment to
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contribute to sustainable development . We are working determinedly and systematically to reach that target , which includes selecting machines that live up to our high demands . As demonstrated in this great example , it takes strong and proactive partnerships between several players to make the sustainable shift possible .”
As part of its Science-Based Targets commitment , Volvo CE is set to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 . Alongside the electrification of its machines , the company recognizes the importance of reducing its carbon footprint across its entire value chain . This includes the raw materials used in its products , of which steel is a major component . The production using fossil-free steel in Volvo CE ’ s machines and components will be gradual and depends on aspects such as steel availability . n
Above : Pictured from left : Martin Lundstedt , Tomas Carlsson , John Kerry , Annika Strandhäll , Melker Jernberg and Martin Lindqvist . Left : Tomas Carlsson , CEO and President of NCC .
Schuler targets large-scale battery-cell manufacturing
Stamping specialist Schuler has acquired Italian mechanical engineering firm , Sovema Group , to become a systems supplier of battery-cell manufacturing solutions for the automotive industry and other sectors . Together with Sovema , Schuler will develop the capabilities needed to equip gigafactories for the mass production of lithium-ion batteries , whose large-scale availability is essential for the success of eco-friendly e-mobility on the road .
According to estimates , the production capacity provided by the annual output of lithium-ion batteries will increase
Sovema is based in Villafranca di Verona , Italy , with further sites in the USA and China . approximately fivefold worldwide by 2030 , compared with 2020 . One third of the planned capacity is expected to be produced in Europe . In addition to Germany , there are plans to build new gigafactories in Italy ; Spain ; France ; the UK ; Sweden ; Finland ; Poland and Hungary .
Based in Villafranca di Verona , Italy , with further sites in the USA and China , Sovema is a leading international supplier of equipment for battery cell production . It is also a supplier of automated turnkey plants for the mass production of lead-acid batteries . The Sovema Group employs just over 170 people and
Sovema is one of the leading international suppliers of equipment for the production of battery cells . most recently reported sales of around 50 million euros .
“ With Schuler as owner , we can now combine Sovema ’ s technological expertise with our knowledge in the production of complex lines for the mass manufacturing of parts and components ,” stated Schuler CEO , Domenico Iacovelli . “ This gives us the potential to develop Schuler into a turnkey supplier of technology for the core process steps of cell assembly and cell formation for existing or planned gigafactories dedicated to manufacturing lithium-ion battery cells .”
Schuler already offers production lines for the mass manufacturing of both prismatic and cylindrical battery cell housings .
Schuler will be the sole owner of Sovema in the future . Based in Göppingen , Germany , the technology company has systematically expanded its classic product range of press lines over the past five years . It now specialises in the digitalisation and networking of forming technology and offers an increasing number of machines in the field of sustainable technologies . In addition to battery case production , this includes lines to produce laminations for electric motors and to manufacture fuel cells and electrolysers for the hydrogen industry . n