Fossil-free mill means a 10% emissions reduction for Sweden

In April 2024, SSAB’s board of directors took the decision to build a state-of-the-art fossil-free mini-mill in Luleå as the next step in SSAB’s transformation to fossil-free steel production. The new mini-mill will have a better cost position with lower fixed costs, higher efficiency, shorter lead times and eliminated CO₂ costs.

The transformation in Luleå will result in significant reductions of emissions to air and water, increase resource efficiency and remove about 2.8Mt of annual carbon dioxide emissions, it is claimed. SSAB’s transformation will enable a total reduction of 10% in Sweden’s total carbon dioxide emissions, of which Luleå accounts for 7% and Oxelösund for 3%.

“SSAB and SMS group have a long and successful history of working together. We are happy that we have come to agreement with SMS group to deliver process equipment for our new cold mill complex in Luleå,” says Carl Orrling, executive vice president and CTO at SSAB.

The new cold rolling mill complex will allow SSAB Europe to significantly increase production and sales of high-strength steels and premium products, particularly for automotive customers.

The agreement with SMS group encompasses sophisticated technology, including a pickling line/tandem cold mill with CVC® technology, a continuous galvanizing line, a continuous annealing and galvanizing line and a recoiling and inspection line, all of which are key components to achieve the final quality of SSAB's premium products.

Fully electrically heated furnaces will utilize a combination of induction and electrical radiant tubes, thus ensuring a minimal carbon footprint, SSAB claims. Air-knives will precisely control the coating thickness for optimal surface quality. Robotics applications and logistics systems will optimize material flows and streamline logistics processes within the new cold rolling complex. Comprehensive automation and digitalization solutions will ensure production efficiency, process stability and product quality.

The cold rolling complex will be capable of processing strip widths up to 1,900 mm and thicknesses ranging from 0.30 to 2.5 mm, ensuring versatility in product offerings.

Also included in the scope are major auxiliary plants, including an acid regeneration plant, roll shop, coil logistics and water treatment plants.

“This project underscores the trusted partnership between SSAB and SMS group. Together, we are setting new standards for sustainable steel production and technological innovations,” says Olaf Stalfort, CSO Region Europe at SMS group.

SSAB has already signed an Early Service Agreement with Danieli for a highly-automated technology solution for the new mini-mill, consisting of two electric arc furnaces, secondary metallurgy, caster and strip mill.