Vattenfall Cuts Solar Park Construction Emissions by 67% Using Low-Emission Steel from SSAB at Germany’s Juliusburg/Krukow Project

Vattenfall is reducing carbon emissions in the construction and supply chain of its Juliusburg/Krukow solar park project in Germany by 67% through the use of low-emission steel supplied by Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB.

The initiative marks the first time Vattenfall has used low-emission steel for the substructures of solar modules at the Krukow section of the solar park. The steel, branded as SSAB Zero, is produced using nearly 100% recycled scrap material, significantly lowering the carbon footprint compared with conventional steel production methods.

According to the companies, the use of SSAB Zero reduces CO₂ emissions associated with the construction and supply chain from 460 tonnes to 153 tonnes. The development aligns with Vattenfall’s broader strategy to reduce emissions not only through renewable electricity generation but also across the entire renewable energy value chain.

Claus Wattendrup stated that while the solar park will help reduce Germany’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, the company also aims to address emissions generated during infrastructure development. He noted that the collaboration with SSAB represents an important step towards achieving fossil-free energy solutions throughout the supply chain.

Matts Nilsson said the project demonstrates how combining renewable energy generation with low-emission materials can reduce climate impact across the full value chain. He added that customer demand for decarbonised steel solutions plays a critical role in accelerating the transition towards cleaner industrial materials.

The Juliusburg/Krukow solar park is located in the Herzogtum Lauenburg district in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, near the municipalities of Juliusburg and Krukow. The project will have an installed capacity of 80 MWp and is expected to generate approximately 120 GWh of fossil-free solar electricity annually.

Spread across around 74 hectares, the solar park forms part of Germany’s expanding renewable energy infrastructure aimed at supporting the country’s clean energy transition and long-term decarbonisation goals.