Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 24, ABB, Inc., headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has secured a contract from SSAB, based in Stockholm, Sweden, to provide the primary electrical infrastructure for a new fossil-free mini-mill in Luleå, Sweden. The agreement covers the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the power distribution system, ensuring consistent electricity delivery across the facility. This initiative supports SSAB’s shift toward sustainable steel production.

The SSAB Luleå site in northern Sweden will be transformed for first steel production in 2029.

The new mini-mill will replace SSAB’s existing steelmaking operations in Luleå, with fossil-free steel production set to begin by the end of 2029. The facility is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 2.8 million tons annually, a 90% decrease compared to current levels, contributing significantly to Sweden’s environmental goals.

From 2025 to 2028, ABB will deliver a comprehensive electrical system to support the mini-mill’s energy-intensive processes, including electric arc furnaces. The scope includes medium and low voltage equipment, distribution transformers, uninterruptible power supply systems, DC distribution, backup power, and automation for power control and monitoring. ABB will oversee the entire project as a single supplier, ensuring seamless integration.

ABB’s early involvement included pre-studies and feasibility assessments to design a reliable power system tailored to the mill’s needs. This collaboration enables stable electricity flow from the grid to all areas of the site, supporting the transition from coal-based production to fossil-free steelmaking.

Carl Orrling, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Transformation Office at SSAB, stated: “ABB has been a long-term key supplier to SSAB for decades. With this agreement we will continue this journey in the future. At our Luleå mill, ABB will take full responsibility for the design, supply and commissioning of the main electrical infrastructure. Their early involvement and ability to combine global expertise with a strong local presence were key factors in our decision. With the new technology, we can achieve 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.”

Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager for Metals and Power Conversion at ABB’s Process Industries division, added: “Reliable electrification is at the heart of fossil-free steelmaking. From the earliest planning stages, we have worked closely with SSAB to design an electrical infrastructure that meets their needs today and supports their long-term transition. This close collaboration allows us to deliver a seamless package giving SSAB the confidence that every part of the mill will have the stable, efficient power needed to move away from coal-based production.”

This project builds on the longstanding partnership between ABB and SSAB, reinforcing ABB’s role in advancing sustainable practices in the metals industry. The Luleå mini-mill is poised to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible steel production.