Algoma Steel selects GE as an EAF power system supplier

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario-based Algoma Steel Group Inc. says it has awarded GE Gas Power a contract for an upgrade to the company’s natural gas combined cycle power plant, including the installation of two gas turbine packages. The upgrade is expected to supply Algoma Steel with sufficient internal generation capability to power phase one of its transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

Under the terms of the contract, GE will provide two LM6000 aero-derivative gas turbines with new control systems, plus a new control system for the existing GE steam turbine. In addition, GE will undertake a rewind project on the plant’s No. 2 generator.

“Our transformation to EAF steelmaking and green steel products includes the upgrade of our internal electricity generation capacity, and we are pleased to partner with industry leader General Electric to complete this important milestone,” says Michael McQuade, Algoma’s CEO. “The project also reflects Algoma’s continued commitment to our community by engaging local contractors to support the installation.”

“We are proud to support Algoma in their energy transition program to help them become a leader in the production of steel with more efficient gas technologies and bring more flexible and lower-carbon power for their industrial process,” says Eric Gray, CEO of GE Gas Power for the Americas.

Algoma announced last October that it created a joint venture with Ontario-based Triple M Metal to help with scrap procurement after its switch to EAF production. Two months later, Algoma announced it had selected Italy-based Danieli to supply EAF equipment for its mill conversion project.

Algoma Steel expects the GE project to be completed in the spring of 2023, which it says is one year before the scheduled commissioning of the new EAF equipment. At full capacity, the refurbished cogeneration facility is designed to have the ability to generate 110 megawatts (MW) of electricity, up from its current capacity of 34 MW.