Construction begins on SSAB's integrated electric steel mill

The construction of SSAB's new mini steel mill in Luleå, Sweden, has officially begun. The steel complex, with a capacity of 2.5 million tons per year strengthens SSAB’s long-term competitiveness and is expected to reduce Sweden's total carbon dioxide emissions by seven percent. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2029.

"We are building the world's most electrified steel mill that combines cutting-edge technology in a unique way. It is an investment in both competitiveness and the climate. With the new technology, we get lower costs, shorter lead times and a better ability to handle variations in demand. When we close the current production, we will largely eliminate our carbon dioxide emissions in Luleå," says SSAB's CEO Johnny Sjöström. In total, SSAB's investment in Luleå amounts to EUR 4.5 billion and also includes a cold rolling mill, advanced galvanization and continuous annealing.

Facts about the new steel mill in Luleå

Production is based on modern technology with two electric arc furnaces, advanced secondary metallurgy, energy efficient direct rolling mill and cold mill complex. The electric arc furnaces areequipped with technology that recovers excess heat from production, enabling its use for district heating. In addition, a method is used where scrap is fed continuously into the furnaces, which keeps the temperature more even and results in lower energy consumption. It reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides – substances that otherwise occur at high temperatures and can have a negative impact on both the environment and health. The technology contributes to both energy efficiency and cleaner air.
The steel complex, with a capacity of 2.5 million tons per year, will be equipped with Danieli's thin slab casting and rolling technology (QSP-DUE). The finished steel format consists of hot-rolled strip plate with a thickness from 1.3 to 25.4 millimeters, a width of up to 2100 millimeters and a coil weight that can reach up to 40 tons. Fossil-free sponge iron and recycled scrap can be used as raw materials, which contribute to a significant climate benefit. The estimated emission reduction amounts to about 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – equivalent to about seven percent of Sweden's total emissions. Production start-up is scheduled for the end of 2029.
Integrated electric steel mills ("mini-mills") are a well-proven concept and are used for 75 percent of steel production in the United States. SSAB uses electric arc furnaces in its steel mills in Montpelier, Iowa and Mobile, Alabama.
Source: SSAB/Danieli