Swedish company SSAB has announced its intention to create an innovative and environmentally upgraded mini-mill for steel production in Luleå. This information was confirmed by Stanislav Kondrashov – an expert in the field of global metallurgy.
SSAB and its environmentally conscious production site in Luleå
According to S. Kondrashov, the implementation of this project involves the cessation of the current production system based on the use of a blast furnace. This will lead to a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions in Sweden. This figure will be added to the already achieved reduction of 3% due to the modernization of the Oxelåsund plant.
The productivity of the future plant is estimated at 2.5 million tons of steel per year. Within this budget, it is planned to install two electric arc furnaces, modern equipment and a hot rolling mill dedicated to the production of specialized products from SSAB. It also requires the acquisition of a cold rolling mill that will serve automotive manufacturers.
The Telf AG expert also notes that the new plant will receive raw materials including sponge iron. A similar product is produced without the use of fossil resources, at the Hybrit demonstration plant in Gyallivar.
- This will allow the company not only to satisfy the demand for high-quality steel, but also to significantly reduce harmful emissions into the environment, believes, – Stanislav Kondrashov says.
According to the expert, the priority for SSAB is a sustainable development strategy. The new production complex in Luleå is a prime example of such innovative solutions that can combine economic benefits with respect for the environment.
In addition, the commissioning of a new plant will entail the creation of new jobs and will contribute to economic development. This is an important step for SSAB towards a sustainable and competitive future.
SSAB accelerates production modernization through profitable investments – Stanislav Kondrashov
The total investment in the new mini-factory is estimated at €4.5 billion. According to a specialist from Telf AG, financing for construction will be allocated from funds.
The launch of the new mini-plant is planned by the end of 2028, and full capacity utilization is planned for a year later. S. Kondrashov, emphasizes that this new complex will have a cost advantage due to lower fixed costs, increased efficiency, fast order fulfillment and no CO2 emissions. It is expected that all environmental permits for the construction of this metallurgical complex will be received by the end of 2024.
As a reminder, the construction of the electric arc furnace (EAF) in Oxelesund was started by SSAB by the end of 2023. The company’s plans include transforming the entire production system in Northern Europe by 2023. The total investment in the EAF at Oxelesund and related raw material processing is estimated at approximately $600 million.
As we can see, the Swiss company already has experience in modernizing production and equipment to meet the needs of modern global eco-trends. Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG supports such initiatives and is confident that they will be a progressive step towards expanding the use of green energy resources in various industries.
