Saarstahl commissions Primetals for new substation to power EAF facility

Saarstahl has awarded Primetals Technologies a contract to construct a new substation at its Völklingen, Germany, site, forming a critical link between the national power grid and the company's planned electric arc furnace (EAF) facility. Scheduled for startup in August 2026, this substation will enable the efficient energy supply required for electric steelmaking, marking a significant step in Saarstahl's transition to more sustainable steel production.

Primetals Technologies will handle the design, supply, and installation of a comprehensive voltage transformation solution to convert power from 110 kilovolts (kV) to 35 kV or 10.5 kV. The substation will incorporate a 110 kV gas-insulated switchgear, three transformers with a capacity of 200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) each, and a 40 MVA transformer. Additionally, the setup includes 35 kV gas-insulated and 10.5 kV air-insulated switchgears. Control and monitoring of the substation’s operations will be managed via a SCADA system for centralized supervision.

The project builds on a long-standing collaboration between Saarstahl and Primetals Technologies, facilitated by the proximity of Primetals’ Saarbrücken office to Saarstahl’s plant. In the project's initial phase, Primetals Technologies conducted a detailed study to determine the optimal substation technology to meet the steel producer’s requirements.

This partnership reflects Primetals Technologies' expertise in major energy infrastructure projects alongside traditional steel plant engineering. Over the years, Primetals has developed substantial experience in large-scale energy systems, enhancing its ability to execute complex projects for steelmakers globally.

Saarstahl, along with Dillinger, ranks among Europe’s leading steel producers, with products serving diverse high-performance applications, including major architectural structures such as the Le Monde headquarters in Paris and London’s Twentytwo skyscraper. Additionally, Saarstahl and Dillinger’s steel is integral to European high-speed rail infrastructure and automotive manufacturing.

In alignment with their Pure Steel + program, Saarstahl and Dillinger aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, backed by a combined investment of 2.6 billion euros. This recent substation project follows Dillinger’s recent contract with Primetals Technologies for a new production complex, which includes a direct reduction iron (DRI) plant in collaboration with Midrex Technologies, underscoring both companies’ commitments to sustainable steel production.

Source and Photo: Primetals