Essar Steel Algoma Starts up first Canadian Steel Co-Gen Facility
06/17/2009 - Essar Steel Algoma successfully starts up a new, 70-MW cogeneration facility that will be fueled with by-product gas from the operation, becoming the first integrated steel manufacturer in Canada to construct such a facility.
Essar Steel Algoma successfully started up a new, 70 MW cogeneration facility that will be fueled with by-product gas from the operation, setting a precedent as the first integrated steel manufacturer in Canada to construct such a facility.
Essar Steel Algoma will use the new cogeneration facility to convert by-product fuels from its cokemaking and ironmaking processes into electricity and steam for the steelworks. The new facility will help the company reduce its reliance on the provincial power grid by an average of 50%, freeing up this capacity for the rest of the province. By employing low-NOx burner technology and eliminating the need to flare by-product fuel, the cogeneration facility will also help Essar Steel Algoma reduce its nitrous oxide emissions by 15%, or approximately 400 tonnes per year.
“The facility is operating exceptionally well, exceeding our initial expectations,” said Essar Steel Algoma's CEO Armando Plastino, commenting on the startup. “This project satisfies both economic and environmental objectives, culminating in a sustainable, highly efficient, clean energy solution.
The new cogeneration facility features two 375,000 lb/hour boilers and a 105-MW turbine as well as other related components including a generator, blast furnace gas holder, condensate, and feed-water systems. The system also includes a water treatment plant, cooling tower, transformer, and a distributed control system.
Algoma Energy LP entered into agreement with the Ontario Power Authority to construct and operate the cogeneration facility in October, 2006, in response to a request for proposals for combined heat and power generation. Its startup followed completion of a final performance test on Saturday, June 13 that confirmed the facility meets all necessary operating standards as required by the Ontario Power Authority.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the Ontario Power Authority; without them this project would not have been possible," concluded Plastino
The company said it is planning to hold an official launch celebration later this summer.
Algoma Energy LP (AELP) is a Limited Partnership of Essar Steel Algoma Inc., based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. As a fully integrated steel producer, Essar Steel Algoma derives its revenues primarily from the manufacture and sale of hot and cold rolled steel products, including sheet and plate.
