Algoma Steel announces first steel production from its new electric furnace

Algoma Steel announced Thursday it has achieved its first steel production at it new, state-of-the-art electric arc furnace project.

Algoma Steel announced this week it has achieved its first steel production at its new, state-of-the-art electric arc furnace project.

The milestone follows more than 10 days of successful electric arc furnace (EAF) testing and tuning, including individual and tandem tests of all nine Q-One transformer modules.

“The first arc and steel production marks a pivotal milestone in Algoma’s transformation and positions the company to better meet the evolving needs of its customers through the production of green steel, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent,” the company said in a news release.

“We are proud to have reached this critical milestone in what is the largest industrial decarbonization project in Canada,” Algoma president and CEO Michael Garcia said in the release.

Years of planning

“This moment reflects years of careful planning, disciplined execution and extraordinary effort since we broke ground in November 2021. Bringing the first EAF online during a period of trade uncertainty underscores our determination to innovate and lead, opening new opportunities as we begin to realize the full potential of EAF steel production.”

Steel produced through the EAFS “carry the Volta name,” the company said.

The name Volta pays tribute to Alessandro Volta, who first harnessed electricity in 1800, Algoma said.

“Powered by Ontario’s clean electricity grid, Volta is expected to reduce our carbon footprint by up to 70 per cent and help fuel the growth of the low-carbon economy.”

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Algoma Steel produces hot and cold rolled steel products, including sheet and plate.

Algoma is a key supplier of steel products to customers in North America and is the only producer of discrete plate products in Canada.