On May 11, 2026, SSAB announced that the commissioning of the new electric arc furnace (EAF) in Oxelösund would be delayed due to appeals in the permitting process relating to the powerline that will connect the EAF. The appeals have now been withdrawn, and Vattenfall Eldistribution has announced that construction of the power line will resume. Today's announcement means that the start of production in the new EAF is now expected in the second quarter of 2027.
The construction of the power line intended to supply electricity to the new EAF at SSAB's steel plant in Oxelösund was paused in April, due to appeals related to species protection. All appeals have now been withdrawn, and Vattenfall Eldistribution has confirmed that construction of the power line will resume, meaning that the start of production in the new EAF is expected in the second quarter of 2027.
"We welcome the news that all appeals have been withdrawn. The power connection is a key component of SSAB's investment, enabling us to deliver increased volumes of decarbonized steel to our customers. In addition, the transformation in Oxelösund will reduce Sweden's carbon dioxide emissions by around three percent," says Johnny Sjöström, President and CEO of SSAB.
This permitting process highlights the need for improved coordination of permit-related matters at an early stage, particularly when balancing different interests in large and important projects.
For further information, please contact:
Helena Norrman, EVP & Head of Group Communications, helena.norrman@ssab.com, phone: +46 730 65 53 46.
Per Hillström, Head of Investor Relations, per.hillstrom@ssab.com, phone: + 46 702 95 29 12