ArcelorMittal Belgium has announced the official start of construction of the Baekeland high-voltage substation, marking a significant step towards the production of electricity and low-carbon steel.
The facility is designed to receive electricity through high-voltage cables and overhead lines and convert it to voltage levels suitable for large industrial consumers. Once operational, it will become a key node in the Belgian electricity grid, strengthening the power supply of the port area and surrounding industrial sites.
Key role in Belgium's energy transition
The Baekeland substation is expected to play a central role in supporting the regional energy transition transition. Starting in 2030, ArcelorMittal Belgium will be the first company to be directly connected to the high-voltage grid.
For ArcelorMittal Belgium, this project is an important factor in the implementation of its decarbonization strategy. The planned transition to electric steelmaking, including future electric arc furnace (EAF) operations, requires significantly higher volumes of electricity than can be supplied through the company's existing 150 kV connection.
To address this constraint, ArcelorMittal Belgium has signed an agreement with Belgian transmission system operator Elia to provide access to the 380 kV high-voltage network. This new connection will provide the power needed to operate electric steel mills and reduce the carbon intensity of steel production.
With construction currently underway, the Baekeland high-voltage substation is scheduled to come online in 2030, in line with ArcelorMittal Belgium's long-term roadmap for low-emission electric steel production.
