ArcelorMittal is shortly expected to begin hot commissioning of its new electric arc furnace at the Belval site in Luxembourg, a source close to the steelmaker tells Kallanish.
The commissioning marks the final phase of the firm’s SteelUp! project at Belval, with full ramp-up scheduled for early January. Since mid-October, the steelmaker has been demolishing the old EAF and finalising the construction of the new unit.
The brownfield SteelUp! project focuses on modernising Belval and relocating production of semi-finished products supplied to the Rodange sections mill. Belval is now equipped with a brand new EAF, vacuum degassing unit, and a revamped continuous casting line. The modernisation will enhance energy efficiency and increase steel production capacity by nearly 15%.
With the new EAF replacing the unit that has been in operation since 1997, ArcelorMittal Long Products Luxembourg will become self-sufficient in crude steel production. It will fully cover the requirements of finished products in the Grand Duchy once the new equipment reaches full production, the source confirms.
The project comprises a digitised “no man on the floor” EAF with increased safety, a 15% energy consumption reduction, and 15% heavy sections productivity hike. The new vacuum degassing system will reduce dissolved gas.
