Vattenfall Builds First Solar Park Using Low-Emission Steel

When building the large-scale solar park Juliusburg/Krukow in Germany, Vattenfall is reducing CO_₂ emissions in the construction and supply chain by 67 percent by using low-emission steel from Swedish SSAB.

Generating solar power already makes a significant contribution to climate protection in Germany today. What has so far received little attention is the fact that the construction of solar parks also results in CO₂ emissions. Vattenfall therefore aims to build solar and wind farms using materials produced with the lowest possible emissions.

At the Juliusburg/Krukow solar park project, Vattenfall is now using low emission steel for the substructures of the solar modules for the first time on the Krukow section of the site. The steel was produced from almost 100 percent scrap by the Swedish steel producer SSAB, resulting in a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Compared with conventional steel, SSAB Zero emits 67 percent less CO₂.

“The electricity generated from this solar farm will help reduce Germany’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. But for us fossil freedom does not end with electricity generation – it starts right at the beginning of the supply chain. That is why we are pleased to take this pioneering step together with our partner SSAB, using low emission steel for the substructures. By leading the way as a company, we support the long-term societal goal of becoming fossil free” says Claus Wattendrup, Head of Solar & Batteries at Vattenfall.

“This project shows that when clean energy generation such as solar power is combined with low‑emission materials, the climate footprint is reduced across the entire value chain. With SSAB Zero, we are delivering decarbonised steel with the same performance and quality as conventional steel. Vattenfall’s decision to use it in this solar park is an important example of how ambitious customers can help scale solutions that reduce emissions and build demand for cleaner materials," says Matts Nilsson, VP & Head of Sales, SSAB Europe.