ABB to electrify SSAB’s fossil-free, mini steel mill in Sweden

Steelmaker SSAB reported Oct. 21 that it’s contracted with ABB to deliver the main electrical infrastructure for its new, fossil-free, mini-mill in Luleå, Sweden.

The new facility will replace SSAB’s present steelmaking operations in Luleå, with fossil-free steel production scheduled to start at the end of 2029. Once operational, SSAB estimates that site is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 2.8 million tons annually, which is equivalent to a 90% reduction compared to present operations. This is projected to contribute to reducing Sweden’s CO₂ emissions by 7%.

“At our Luleå mill, ABB will take full responsibility for designing, supplying and commissioning the main electrical infrastructure,” says Carl Orrling, CTO transformation office director at SSAB. “With this new technology, we can achieve lower costs, shorter lead times and better handle variations in demand. When we end current production, we’ll largely eliminate CO₂ emissions in Luleå.”

ABB equipment delivered during 2025-2028 will provide the foundation for fossil-free steelmaking at SSAB’s site on Sweden’s north coast by facilitating a stable, efficient and future-ready electrical system. Project scope includes full electrical design services, and supplying medium- and low-voltage equipment, distribution transformers, UPS systems, DC distribution, backup power systems, automation power control and monitoring. ABB will also install and commission this equipment, acting as one supplier for the project.

Reliable power distribution is central to SSAB’s transformation, with the new mill set to use energy-intensive processes such as electric arc furnaces. ABB was involved from the earliest stages, carrying out pre-studies and feasibility work to design a system that secures stable power flow from the grid to every part of the site, supporting new energy demands set to be deployed at the plant. This collaboration will let SSAB replace Luleå’s coal-based production, and achieve fossil-free steelmaking at scale.

“Reliable electrification is the heart of fossil-free steelmaking,” adds Frederik Esterhuizen, global business line manager for metals and power conversion in ABB’s Process Industries division. “From the earliest planning stages, we worked closely with SSAB to design an electrical infrastructure that meets its present needs and supports its long-term transition. This close collaboration lets us deliver a seamless package, giving SSAB the confidence that every part of the mill will have the stable, efficient power needed to shift from coal-based production.”