The journey
Martin Pei’s journey from Heilongjiang, a rural village in northeastern China to the forefront of sustainable innovation is truly awe inspring. As Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at SSAB, Pei combines a deep foundation in science with strategic leadership. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in ferrous metallurgy from Northeastern University in Shenyang, China, and a Ph.D. in process metallurgy from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Pei is the driving force behind Hybrit, a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize steel production by replacing coal with hydrogen in the reduction of iron ore. This innovation aims to significantly reduce emissions in an industry responsible for 8% of global CO₂ output—a critical step toward mitigating climate change.
Developed in collaboration with LKAB and Vattenfall, Hybrit has already achieved key milestones, including pilot production and early industry adoption. With plans for large-scale commercialization by 2030, the project has the potential to transform the global steel industry. While challenges remain, such as managing the high energy demands of hydrogen-based production, Pei is resolute. He views the long-term environmental benefits as far outweighing the initial hurdles.
Pei attributes his success to his strong grounding in metallurgy and his ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. His leadership has fostered collaboration across technical, industrial, and political domains, enabling Hybrit to progress from concept to reality.
If fully realized, Hybrit could position Sweden as a global leader in sustainable industry and serve as a model for greener manufacturing worldwide. For Pei, the stakes extend far beyond steelmaking—this innovation represents a vital opportunity to build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Beyond his work at SSAB, Pei has served as the first-term chairman of the board for Hybrit Development AB and currently chairs the board of SWERIM, the Swedish Research Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Metals Research. He is also a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.
Through a career spanning technical expertise and bold leadership, Martin Pei exemplifies the power of innovation to create a more sustainable future.
For a more in depth coverage of Martin Pei’s journey, please see the following resources
