ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel producer, has launched a collaboration with Quanta Energy to build a 1 MW solar power plant. The installation will supply clean energy to nine production lines at the company’s site in Bytom, including sheet metal cutting machines, cranes, and forklift charging stations.
The photovoltaic system, consisting of 1,692 solar panels, will generate electricity sufficient to power the entire ArcelorMittal production plant in Bytom. The company estimates that in summer, during peak generation, up to 90% of the solar farm’s output will be used for on-site consumption.
„The construction of a solar farm within our service center is another step toward decarbonizing our operations in Europe. Renewable energy is essential for decarbonization, and steel is a fundamental material required for the production of renewable energy infrastructure. For instance, steel and iron account for 80-90% of the material used in a wind turbine – and similarly in PV panels and transmission networks,” says Rafał Nawrat, Managing Director of ArcelorMittal SSC Poland. „Moreover, we will use our flagship product, Magnelis® – a metallic-coated steel sheet with unique anti-corrosion properties – to manufacture the steel profiles for the solar structures. This material is ideally suited for PV installations,” he adds.
The general contractor for the investment is Quanta Energy. „Partnering with ArcelorMittal marks another significant milestone for Quanta Energy in supporting the energy transformation of European industry. Constructing a solar farm for a global steel industry leader demonstrates that renewable energy sources are not only a response to environmental challenges but also a key driver of long-term competitiveness. We are proud that our ‘behind-the-meter’ solar and wind solutions not only lower our clients’ operational costs but also strengthen their leadership as responsible businesses setting the course for sustainable development,” says Piotr Grzybczak, CEO of Quanta Energy.
The steel used to construct the solar farm will be processed at ArcelorMittal SSC’s Bytom facility and then used to build the installation’s support structures. The structures will be delivered by Hetmaniok, a long-standing ArcelorMittal customer.
„As a leading player in the mounting structure market, we see tremendous potential in the growth of the renewable energy sector in Poland and Europe. In response to the rising demand for solar projects, last year we delivered structures for installations totaling 300,000 kW, using 2,000,000 kg of steel. We proudly provide comprehensive technical support and invest in cutting-edge technologies to help drive the expansion of clean energy. Collaborating with ArcelorMittal- a steel industry giant – and Quanta Energy – a top provider of solar solutions in Europe – allows us to implement ambitious projects that contribute to green energy development and sustainable progress,” explains Wojciech Hetmaniok, Technical Director at Hetmaniok.
Construction of the solar farm is now underway. The project’s official ceremony was attended by Jean-Marc Butin, General Manager of ArcelorMittal Service Centers in Europe, Piotr Grzybczak, CEO of Quanta Energy, and Wojciech Hetmaniok, Technical Director at Hetmaniok.
