• Substation from Primetals Technologies to function as link between the power grid and the electric arc furnace (EAF) plant
• Startup scheduled for August 2026 

Saarstahl has placed a significant order with Primetals Technologies for a new substation to be located at its plant in Völklingen, Germany. The new power supply solution will serve as the link between the power grid and a new, not yet implemented, electric arc furnace plant. Startup is planned for August 2026.

Primetals Technologies will design, supply, and implement a complete substation for transforming voltage from 110 to 35 or 10.5 kilovolt (kV). The solution will feature a 110 kV gas-insulated switchgear, three 200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) transformers, and one 40 MVA transformer. The equipment also comprises a 35 kV gas-insulated switchgear as well as a 10.5 kV air-insulated switchgear. High-level supervision of the substation will be executed by a SCADA control system. 

A Long-Lasting Collaboration

In the first part of the project, Primetals Technologies conducted a comprehensive study to outline the optimal substation technology for Saarstahl. The steel producer’s decision to work with Primetals Technologies for this technical solution and related services reflects the longstanding relationship between the two companies, as well as the benefit of having Primetals Technologies’ Saarbrücken office being in close proximity to the plant. 

This large order also highlights Primetals Technologies’ ability to execute major energy supply projects alongside conventional plant engineering and building projects, thanks to the knowledge and expertise gained through its history of supplying similar large energy systems for customers worldwide. 

Dillinger and Saarstahl are two leading European steel producers, and steel products from the companies are used in demanding applications such as the headquarters of French daily newspaper Le Monde and London’s tallest building, Twentytwo, as well as in the safe tracks of European high-speed trains and in the majority of cars manufactured in Europe. With their ambitious Pure Steel + program, Saarstahl and Dillinger primarily aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, having secured funding of 2.6 billion euros in total.

Recently, Dillinger and its subsidiary ROGESA signed contracts with Primetals Technologies for the supply of a new production complex, which includes a DRI plant contracted along with Midrex Technologies and an EAF Ultimate electric arc furnace plant, including two twin ladle furnaces.

The area at Saarstahl’s site in Völklingen, Germany where the large substation from Primetals Technologies will be constructed. Copyright: Uwe Braun, SHS - Stahl-Holding-Saar