The demand for nickel is expected to double by 2040, driven by the electrification of infrastructure and transport, raising concerns about the environmental impact of traditional nickel production methods emitting 20 tons of CO2 per ton of nickel. To address this, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a revolutionary carbon-free method for extracting nickel. This innovation utilizes hydrogen plasma instead of carbon-based processes, significantly reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency by up to 18% when powered by renewable sources. By processing low-grade nickel ores in a single reactor furnace using this one-step method, the complexity and energy intensity of conventional extraction processes are bypassed, making the extraction of nickel from these ores both environmentally friendly and economically viable. The researchers are now focusing on scaling up this process for industrial applications by implementing techniques like short arcs with high currents, external electromagnetic stirring devices, and gas injection to ensure continuous reduction at the reaction interface. This breakthrough not only contributes to combating climate change by reducing emissions but also opens up new possibilities for sustainable nickel extraction, paving the way for a greener future in metallurgy and industry.