Concept Zero™ − The invisible revolution
A bigger vision for the fossil-free heat exchanger
Steel is a major component of an Alfa Laval heat exchanger. With steel production accounting for approximately 7% of global carbon emissions, the choice of materials can significantly influence a heat exchanger’s carbon footprint.
In 2022, Alfa Laval and Swedish steel producer SSAB made the first heat exchanger with fossil-free steel. The partnership subsequently presented a prototype incorporating SSAB Fossil-free™ steel in the frame and pressure plate of Alfa Laval’s gasketed plate heat exchangers. This progress inspired a bigger vision: What if we could make a heat exchanger without fossil carbon emission?
That was the beginning of Concept Zero™ – Alfa Laval’s journey towards the world’s first heat exchanger without fossil carbon emissions by 2030.
This is Concept Zero
Concept Zero™: a symbol of determination
Concept Zero™ units are heat exchangers in which we guarantee the use of low-emission materials. While initiatives in our broader portfolio also drive positive change, these units stand as a symbol of our determination to reduce the carbon footprint of heat exchangers.
Step by step, we are introducing new innovations and low-emission materials to advance towards the world’s first heat exchanger without fossil carbon emissions embedded when it leaves our factory. Achieving this ambition depends on continues industry progress, access to fossil-free materials, and solutions that push technological boundaries.
That is why we collaborate closely with suppliers, partners, and customers to accelerate material innovation and move the vision of a fossil-free heat exchanger closer to reality.
Scaling up the use of low-CO2-emissions materials
Alfa Laval is leading the market by increasing the use of low-CO2-emission materials in its world-leading plate heat exchangers. As the first heat exchanger manufacturer in the world to introduce low-emission steel in our products in 2022, we are now expanding the use of low-emission steel into one of our most sold products—the Alfa Laval T21 plate heat exchanger.
Think global, heat local: Unboxing Concept Zero
Recovered, fossil-free waste heat from the European Spallation Source (ESS) will be connected to the district heating network in Lund, Sweden – and Alfa Laval will supply heat exchangers using emission-free steel from SSAB to ensure the most energy efficient solution.
EcoDataCenter first data center to utilize Alfa Laval heat exchangers that are using SSAB Zero steel
EcoDataCenter to be an industry first in deploying Alfa Laval heat exchangers made using recycled steel produced without new CO2 emissions from SSAB. This deployment signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions within the supply chain, exemplifying the significance of collaboration.
Collaborative innovation cuts heat exchanger carbon footprint by 60 percent for hospital in Helsinki
When Laakso Joint Hospital in Helsinki set out to integrate the cooling system in the new hospital area, finding an efficient solution for heat transfer was key to secure long-term energy savings. Little did they know that they would be installing heat exchangers with a record-low product carbon footprint.
Re-Made to matter
Alfa Laval and Stena Recycling have teamed up create the smart, sustainable and easy-to-use Re-Made to matter exchange programme. This gives us the possibility to recover as much as 100% of the valuable metals found in old heat exchangers. By replacing them with more modern designs, we can also enable efficiency improvements for energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint.
Want to learn more about Concept Zero™?
Contact us today to explore how we can support your sustainability journey and efforts to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
