GE Vernova and SMS Group have partnered to transform steel production at SSAB’s steel plant in Oxelösund, Sweden. This collaboration marks a crucial step forward for the industry, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in its production processes.
Through a contract signed in June 2024, GE Vernova will supply a direct feed system based on MMC (modular multilevel converter) technology for the 280 MVA electric arc furnace (EAF), which will be installed at SSAB’s new foundry.
Innovation at SSAB’s steel plant
The electric arc furnace is an innovative solution that uses up to 100% recycled steel scrap as raw material , allowing for a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. Unlike traditional furnaces, which rely on iron ore and coke, the EAF can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the steel industry , from 2.32 metric tons of CO₂ per ton of steel to just 0.67 metric tons.
The direct feed system provided by Vernova incorporates advanced IEGT transistor technology, specifically designed to maintain a stable and efficient power supply. This system will allow the EAF to operate without generating disturbances in the electrical grid , optimizing the quality of the energy supplied and reducing the risk of fluctuations that may affect production.
Ed Torres, commercial leader of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business unit, highlighted that this collaboration is a crucial step towards achieving energy efficiency and emissions reduction goals in the steel industry .
The system will help SSAB Oxelösund meet strict electricity quality standards, ensuring that the electric furnace operates efficiently and reliably.
Torres stated.
A greener future for steel production
With the installation and commissioning of this advanced technology, SSAB hopes to meet its sustainability goals and set a new standard for sustainable steel production in the industry. Delivery and installation of the equipment is planned for the first half of 2026 , with the first EAF heat-up scheduled for the fourth quarter of that year.
This project is an important step in our mission to make steel production more sustainable. The fast digital feeding system that we will implement in the furnace will be crucial to achieving quality and energy efficiency standards.
said Jan Heimann, Executive Vice President of SMS Group.
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Source and photo: GE Vernova
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