SMS Group has been awarded a contract by Nordic steelmaker SSAB to design, deliver, and construct a state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at SSAB’s Oxelösund site. This major project is a crucial step in SSAB’s plan to decarbonize its steelmaking operations and transition to more sustainable fossil-free steel production.
This wouldn’t make the news if the installation wasn’t an Alternate Current-Electric Arc Furnace (AC-EAF) with a capacity of 190 tons, making it one of the largest in the world. It is still dwarfed by the EAF located at Tokyo Steel’s Tahara plant in Japan, which has a capacity of 420 tons. Still, a 190-ton capacity is huge, allowing for an annual steel production capacity of over 1.5 million metric tons, given an average tap-to-tap time of 60 minutes and 330 operational days.
SMS Group’s system is designed to process a variety of raw materials, including fossil-free Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI), and recycled scrap steel. With an upper shell diameter of 9.3 meters, the furnace is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high steel quality and production efficiency.
Meanwhile, SSAB will use the new AC-EAF to lead the way in sustainable steelmaking with two unique fossil-free steel products: SSAB Zero and SSAB Fossil Free. The former is made entirely from recycled steel, while the latter is produced from sponge iron reduced with hydrogen instead of coke coal. Both are heated using fossil-free electricity and other sustainable energy sources. Crucially, they should help SSAB become a virtually fossil-free company by 2030.
To further enhance efficiency, SSAB will benefit from SMS Group’s digital twin technology. The Genius CM and DataXpert systems will create a digital representation of the furnace, supporting predictive maintenance and process optimization.
SMS Group’s scope of supply also includes automated features. For example, Eccentric Bottom Tapping (EBT) optimizes slag handling, while the X-Pact® SynReg electrode control system enhances precision and productivity. Furthermore, the X-Pact® Sampler improves operational safety and efficiency, while the integrated automation via X-Pact® Plug & Work ensures shorter ramp-up time and stable production.
With this investment, SSAB is making significant progress toward a fossil-free steel industry, setting new standards for sustainability, efficiency, and digital innovation in steel production.
