400 kV AIS substation at Degerträsk, Sweden

Svenska kraftnät (SvK) has selected Linxon to deliver a new 10-bay 400 kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation. The order forms part of a wider project in association the Swedish energy company, Vattenfall, which includes an additional 130 kV substation.

Together, they will power H2 Green Steel (H2GS)’s mill in Degerträsk near Boden. Work starting in March 2024, energisation of the 400 kV substation is expected in September 2025.

The greenfield development forms part of SvK’s Fossil-Free Upper Norrland (FÖN) programme which seeks to electrify energy-demanding industries – such as steel production – in the north of the country. The steel plant, announced by recently established H2GS, will be a digitised, automated and completely fossil fuel free facility producing green steel for the automotive, white goods, furniture and industrial equipment sectors. One of Europe’s largest green hydrogen plants will be integrated.

Northern Sweden – offering premium iron ore, a specialised steel industry and a strategy of developing and promoting fossil fuel free energy – is experiencing a boom in sustainable industrial investments. In Luleå, the Hybrit project – a JV between SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall is already operating a hydrogen-based steel production pilot plant. In Skellefteå, Northvolt is building an extensive battery production facility.