Fingrid to use recyclable steel in new substations

Finnish transmission system operator Fingrid has purchased low-emission, recyclable steel structures for three new 110kv substations in Harjavalta, Nakkila and Kokemäki.

Finland’s TSO is building the new substations alongside Enersense, a creator of zero emission energy solutions. According to Fingrid in a release, this marks the first time that steel structures for the substations will be made of recycled steel.

Enersense supplies all of the steel structures to be built in the yards of the substations, which require 76,000kg of steel in total. The structures consist of termination portals for 110kv power lines, of which 14 will be needed for connecting the power lines.

The portals are made of hot-dip galvanised steel. Enersense, through its partners, will procure all steel structures in low-emission steel, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 40% compared to structures manufactured with the traditional method from iron ore.

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Commenting in a release was Sampsa Launiainen, Fingrid’s structural expert in the projects: “The production of steel from iron ore with the traditional blast furnace process generates large carbon dioxide emissions. In this project, we circumvent the need to reduce iron ore by using recycled steel.

“Availability is currently very poor, but there can be no supply without demand. This is a valuable pilot – it shows steel manufacturers and wholesalers that it’s a good idea to make low-emission steel. We are happy to note that global interest has increased.”

Additionally, the substation projects will be implemented as gas-insulated substations (GIS) using an insulating gas that does not contain climate-warming SF6 gas.

Fingrid cites how steel production is one of the world’s largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions, as the current production methods rely heavily on coal.

In the winter, Fingrid participated in WWF’s Green Steel project, which aims to accelerate the transition to low-emission steel production and increase the availability of low-emission steel.

The demand for low-emission steel is growing, which this pilot project by Fingrid and Enersense aims to show to steel manufacturers and vendors. The project emphasises commitment to greener choices and encourages the steel industry to develop more sustainable production methods.