Ruukki Construction is set to deliver sandwich panels with SSAB fossil-free steel to new Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres in Sweden.

This delivery is part of a collaboration between SSAB and AWS.

The companies have announced a move in sustainable construction with the use of fossil-free steel for AWS' three upcoming data centres.

The fossil-free steel is produced using HYBRIT technology.

Ruukki will be responsible for the supply of wall and roof structures for three buildings in Eskilstuna, Katrineholm, and Västerås, located in the Mälardalen region, with the main buildings expected to be completed by mid-2025.

AWS is also reducing its carbon footprint by favouring recycled scrap steel over higher-emission blast furnace steel. However, to address scrap supply limits, the company is sourcing virgin steel from SSAB and Ruukki.

Developed by SSAB, iron ore company LKAB, and energy company Vattenfall, HYBRIT replaces coking coal with hydrogen from clean electricity, converting sponge iron into steel and emitting only water vapour, thereby significantly slashing carbon emissions.

AWS North Europe managing director Kellen O’Connor said: “Reducing the embodied carbon associated with the construction of our data centres is a key priority for AWS as we work to achieve net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040.

“By partnering with innovative companies like SSAB and Ruukki, we’re taking important steps to decarbonise the materials used in our data centres and set a new standard for sustainable infrastructure. We’re excited to be working with companies at the forefront of fossil-free steel production.”