Salzgitter and utility Friesen Elektra have signed a long-term purchase agreement for power from the “Sande Hybrid Energy Park”, which is currently being built in the Friesland region in Lower Saxony, Germany. The park is scheduled to go online at the start of 2024.
As from May 2024, a permanent supply of around 80MW of green electricity from the park has been secured for Salzgitter Flachstahl, the steelmaker’s strip mill. The already existing “Sande Wind Farm” is currently being expanded with the aim of sourcing energy from wind turbines and photovoltaic systems. In the final stage of construction, the Sande Hybrid Energy Park will deliver an overall output in excess of 120MW, Kallanish learns.
“Green” power from the photovoltaic plants is initially an integral component of Salzgitter Flachstahl’s regular power procurement portfolio, the company notes. The long-term plan aims to harness the power for the production of green hydrogen. At the same time, the agreement includes the option of procuring hydrogen produced locally, it adds.
“Implementing sustainable steel along with energy production is becoming increasingly important not only for us, but also for our suppliers and customers,” says Salzgitter chief executive Gunnar Groebler.
Christian Koehl Germany
