voestalpine greentec steel Donawitz: installation of the electric arc furnace completed

The electric arc furnace consists of several core components, such as a lower and an upper vessel and a rocker, as well as the associated infrastructure and utility systems (e.g., power lines). The nearly 900,000 individual components delivered weigh a total of around 8,500 tons and were transported to the Donawitz site by ship, train, and truck. 

voestalpine is working together with more than 70 companies in Donawitz, some 90% of which are Austrian. Around 500 skilled workers are currently active on the construction site. Lead partner Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A. is coordinating the installation of the core components of the electric arc furnace and its first operation. A range of companies in the fields of steel construction, piping construction, electrical engineering, automation, scaffolding, logistics, and civil engineering are also collaborating on the project.

The EAF was assembled in several steps: after pre-assembly, surveying, and testing, the components were lifted into their final positions using heavy-haul transport vehicles and large cranes. This involved moving individual components weighing up to 94 tons. Cranes with lifting capacities of up to 650 tons were used for particularly demanding lifting operations.

The cold commissioning marks another important milestone. This requires putting central infrastructure systems into operation, such as the electrical power supply and utility services. During the cold commissioning, all system components are tested as an integrated system for the first time. This involves checking mechanical functions, utility and piping systems, as well as sensors, actuators, and control systems. Extensive testing of the automation and safety systems will also be conducted to ensure the plant is optimally prepared for the start of production.

Only when all systems are working together flawlessly will the next step toward the start of production be taken. This step is scheduled for the first half of 2027.

As reported, the EAF facility which is scheduled to begin operations next year will be expanded by 2030, subject to outstanding funding issues. Part of the expansion investment of approximately EUR 100 million will be used to further expand the power supply, to set up a third secondary metallurgy line, and to expand scrap logistics, among others. This step would allow the Donawitz site to fully transition to electrified steel production from 2030.