SSAB orders main electrical infrastructure for fossil-free mini-mill in Lulea

SSAB has awarded ABB a major contract to supply the main electrical infrastructure for its upcoming fossil-free mini-mill in Lulea, Sweden, marking a key milestone in SSAB's transition toward carbon-neutral steel production.

The new facility will replace SSAB's existing operations in Lulea, with production of fossil-free steel expected to begin by end-2029. Once operational, the plant is projected to cut CO2 emissions by 2.8 mln tons annually, a 90pct reduction from current levels, contributing an estimated 7pct reduction in Sweden's total CO2 emissions.

Under the agreement, ABB will handle design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the entire power distribution system between 2025 and 2028. The scope covers medium- and low-voltage equipment, distribution transformers, UPS systems, backup power, and automation-based monitoring and control systems.

Given the site's use of energy-intensive electric arc furnaces, ABB's role is critical in ensuring stable and efficient electricity delivery. The company has been engaged since the project's feasibility stage, developing a system to maintain reliable power flow across all operations, laying the foundation for large-scale fossil-free steelmaking in Sweden.