London, September 12, 2023

New collaboration to implement grid-friendly power supply system, the next evolution in electric steelmaking

• Active Power Feeder, a ground-breaking power solution from Primetals Technologies, to be implemented at German steel producer BGH Edelstahl
• Crucial technology for green steel projects – connects electric arc furnaces to the grid while ensuring high power quality, an energy-efficient process, reduced electrode consumption, and reduced stress and wear of the furnace equipment

BGH Edelstahl in Siegen, Germany, has signed an agreement with Primetals Technologies to test the Active Power Feeder solution at its 50-ton electric arc furnace (EAF). Active Power Feeder is projected to be ready for operation under industrial production conditions at EAF plants by 2025.

An innovative power control system

Active Power Feeder is a key technology for green electric steelmaking. It utilizes a patented and proven medium voltage modular multilevel converter (MMC) technology in a ground-breaking power control system developed by experts at Primetals Technologies.

Thanks to Active Power Feeder, the power supply system will operate maintaining high power quality – at a level that meets the requirements of power utility companies. Additionally, the power supply system ensures low electrical losses and high furnace efficiency.

Another benefit of Active Power Feeder is its highly flexible installation options. Whether a steel producer is looking at modernizing an existing EAF or plans to implement a new meltshop, the solution will support the corresponding implementation procedures. Moreover, Active Power Feeder can compensate also for the extra strain put on the power supply system if an additional ladle furnace is introduced. All these features are realized without the need for an extra static VAR compensator (SVC) or a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM).

First industrial application at BGH Edelstahl  

The collaboration between BGH Edelstahl and Primetals Technologies will demonstrate the environmental, technical, and commercial benefits of the technology under industrial production conditions for scrap melting with EAFs. BGH Edelstahl’s furnace will be powered by an Active Power Feeder featuring a 3-phase indirect modular multilevel converter (MMC).

BGH is a specialty steel producer of stainless steels and special alloys of the highest quality. The wide product range also encompasses small batch sizes for special requests and requirements from BGH’s end customers, such as precisely timed deliveries and highest quality standards. BGH is committed to reducing their Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO₂ emissions by 42 percent by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline. Also, the German steel producer aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25 percent during the same timeframe and compared with the same baseline.

Primetals Technologies and BGH Edelstahl will implement an Active Power Feeder system at the BGH plant in Siegen, Germany.

Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.