As operators of a manufacturing plant of iron and steel in Oxelösund, Sweden, SSAB is currently engaged in transitioning its processes from ore-based production using blast furnaces and coking plants, to iron and scrap-based production conducted with an electric arc furnace.

In comparison to current levels, the transition will result in a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in the air and water, thus making an important contribution to Sweden’s national goal of being climate neutral by 2045. The planned transition will also eliminate dangerous substances such as coal tar, blast furnace gas, coke oven gas, LD gas, and benzene from the company’s operations, and will significantly reduce its oil consumption.

As the electric arc furnace reaches full production, it will replace ore-based operations at the plant, which will be decommissioned. The rolling mill and the electric arc furnace will, however, require the use of alternative energy sources such as natural gas or biogas.

Preparing the transitional landscape

WSP is thrilled to be involved in helping SSAB to successfully complete this project, which has major impacts for society and forms part of the green transition process that the world is engaged in.

WSP assisted SSAB with the preparation of documentation required for the permit process for the entire operation based in Oxelösund – an endeavour that will facilitate the company’s transition to fossil-free manufacturing.

Among other things, WSP prepared a comprehensive environmental risk assessment as a basis for the environmental permit application, as well as a risk assessment for a safety report in accordance with the Seveso Directive, an environmental legislation implemented by the European Commission to help prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances, and to limit the consequences of such accidents if they do occur. WSP also delivered a quantitative risk assessment for the transport of dangerous goods to the facility.

Built on foundations of trust

As with all projects in WSP’s portfolio, the establishment of a solid and continuous relationship with the customer has been critically important to the success of this project. In understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by SSAB’s transition to fossil-free steel and sheet metal production, WSP laid the foundations for future collaborations with the customer on additional projects.

Throughout this project, SSAB has challenged WSP to provide answers to the most difficult of questions. Despite a cautious approach to blanket acceptance of all initial recommendations, the process has stimulated unconventional thinking and established a relationship built on trust.

WSP involvement:

• WSP prepared a comprehensive environmental risk assessment for SSAB as a basis for its environmental permit application.
• WSP was instrumental in preparing a detailed risk assessment for a mandatory safety report required for compliance with the Seveso Directive of the European Commission.
• WSP also delivered a quantitative risk assessment for the transport of dangerous goods to the facility.