Ontario Construction News staff writer
Algoma Steel Group has chosen EllisDon as construction manager for a transformative electric arc furnace (EAF) project.
“We are very proud to join Algoma’s team in one of Canada’s largest electrification projects targeting reduced carbon emissions. We are excited to bring our broad experience, a spirit of profound openness and a determination to help Algoma achieve its objectives. This is a partnership with Algoma, and a partnership with the environment, and we are very excited to be a part of it,” EllisDon’s president and CEO Geoff Smith said in a statement.
Algoma’s EAF project is the largest industrial-scale carbon reduction project in Canada, supported by the Ontario government through its commitment to critical energy infrastructure, and by the Government of Canada.
Hamilton-based Walters Group Inc. completed fabricating and erecting the main EAF building and ancillary structures, which include leading technology to reduce sound and emissions. Walters is using Algoma’s steel plate products in the fabrication of the heavy structural components, and working with local industrial contractor, SIS Manufacturing Inc., for the fabrication of these key elements. Onsite assembly of the building structure is targeted for completion this year.
Completion of the $703 million project is on track for mid-2024.
“Our transformative Electric Arc Furnace project continues to advance on time and on budget, and as we enter the more complex phases of construction, we are pleased to partner with EllisDon to manage our project with optimal functionality and effectiveness,” said Michael Garcia, Algoma CEO. “We continue to expect a successful EAF start-up in mid-2024.
“Once the project is completed, we expect Algoma will be one of the lowest-cost green-steel production facilities in North America, expanding our annual steelmaking capacity from 2.8 million tons to 3.7 million tons with a significant reduction (estimated at approximately 70%) in carbon emissions.”
Algoma is on a transformation journey, modernizing its plate mill and adopting electric arc technology that builds on the strong principles of recycling and environmental stewardship to significantly lower carbon emissions.