SMS group and SSAB advancing together in the green steel revolution

• One of the world’s most powerful electric arc furnaces is SSAB’s strategic unit for green steel production
• This EAF, currently under construction by SMS for SSAB’s Oxelösund steel plant in Sweden, will be equipped with the most advanced medium-voltage digital power feeding system
• The MMC system is critical for maintaining the quality of the power grid. It mitigates flicker, reduces harmonic distortion, and provides a high power factor

SSAB, one of the world’s most carbon-efficient steel companies, has chosen SMS group for the construction of a new 190-ton EAF, which is set to be one of the largest installations in the world with an upper shell diameter of 9.3 meters. The new EAF, located in Oxelösund, has its first heat scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will not only play a vital role in realizing SSAB’s transition plans towards a fossil-free production, but also lower total CO₂ emissions in Sweden by three percent.

Powered by a 280 MVA transformer, an installation such as this requires highly advanced technology to meet the limitations imposed by the grid authority in terms of flicker, power factor, and harmonic distortion.

SSAB has now entrusted SMS group with the integration of a direct feed (DF) system from GE Vernova to be fitted in the new furnace at Oxelösund. The technology being implemented at SSAB is crucial as it ensures the new electric arc furnace operates smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the grid, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.

“It’s the most powerful digital electric arc furnace ever designed,” said Andrea Lanari, Vice-President Metallurgy Steelmaking at SMS group, “the combination of SMS process/equipment knowledge in terms of the GE Vernova grid and converter control background is an unique asset we can provide to SSAB on its decarbonization path.”

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) based direct feed system, supplied by GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, is an indirect power supply built on IEGT (injection-enhanced gate transistor) technology and designed specifically for EAFs, which seeks to ensure that the new EAF operates smoothly and efficiently without disrupting the grid.

This system uses advanced technology to maintain high levels of power quality and reliability.

Jan Heimann, Executive Vice President of SMS group, said: “This project is a significant step forward in our journey towards sustainable steelmaking. Powering the furnace with a fast digital control system will enable SSAB to achieve their targets in terms of power quality and efficiency. We are excited to contribute to a project that sets a benchmark for the entire industry.”

“Our power system was chosen because it helps the Oxelösund plant meet their strict electricity quality standards,” said Ed Torres, Business Line Leader & COO of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business. “By using our system, the plant is expected to reduce electrical disturbances and operate more efficiently. This is a crucial step towards making steel production more sustainable and reducing carbon emissions in the industry.” To achieve the desired EAF power quality contribution and grid performance requirements, the system includes two parallel converter lines installed at 300 and 400 meters from the EAF, directly connected to the 34 kV bus. This setup mitigates flicker, maintains very low harmonics, and ensures a unified power factor.