EuroWire May 2024

Corporate News

Permission granted for electric arc furnace in Scunthorpe

forward in our journey to net zero and we thank everyone who has supported our plans. “The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO 2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK government.” Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest

opportunity while discussions with the UK government continue. Both proposed EAFs would replace the ageing iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site, which are responsible for the majority of its CO 2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until it transitions to electric arc steelmaking. It has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans. British Steel Ltd https://britishsteel.co.uk Ridgemount’s expertise in fibre optic connectors complements Emtelle’s mission to provide comprehensive, state of-the-art cabling and ducted solutions.” Chris Peters, managing director of Ridgemount, shared his enthusiasm: “I am enthused by the acquisition of Ridgemount by Emtelle; the sheer possibility to further scale up a rapidly growing business and to develop the next generation of optical fibre connectors will provide significant opportunities for our customers, suppliers and staff alike.” Emtelle www.emtelle.com Ridgemount Technologies Ltd www.ridgemount.com

British Steel has received planning permission to build an electric arc furnace (EAF) at its headquarters in Scunthorpe, UK. This follows the company also receiving planning permission to build an EAF on Teesside. The manufacturer’s proposed £1.25bn transformation – its largest in more than a century of steelmaking – is subject to appropriate support from the UK government. British Steel president and CEO Xijun Cao said, “We’re extremely pleased to have received planning permissions to build electric arc furnaces at our Scunthorpe and Teesside sites. It is a significant step

Emtelle acquires Ridgemount Technologies Emtelle, a provider of blown fibre, cabling and ducted solutions, has announced the strategic acquisition of Ridgemount Technologies, an Ridgemount will continue to lead in the development of fibre optic connectors, integrating Emtelle’s FibreFast™ and associated products for a comprehensive suite of solutions.

innovator and manufacturer of fibre optic cable connectors. The acquisition follows a decade of collaboration and achievements. Combining Emtelle’s and Ridgemount’s expertise is expected to set a platform to develop the next generation of solu tions. This collaboration aims to deliver innovative connectivity solutions to meet increasing worldwide demand for reli able, high-performance telecommunica tions infrastructure. With investment to be prioritised in automation and capac ity expansion, the partnership is ready to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product offerings.

The alliance is set to further accelerate R&D in the field of FTTx deployment and the defence industry. Emtelle CEO Tony Rogers expressed excitement, stating, “This strategic acquisition signifies a milestone in our journey to drive technological advancements and meet the ever expanding needs of our global customers. “With additional resources, Ridgemount would enable focus on innovation, automation and capacity expansion.

Assignment to modernise the Swedish electricity grid

as well as pre-planning and detailed project planning of measures to be taken for a review of the overhead lines throughout Sweden. The assignment also includes geotechnical surveys along the overhead lines. Sweco is participating in these efforts by analysing and compiling input data, and by evaluating the measures to be implemented to ensure that the lines are operationally secure and safe. Sweco AB www.swecogroup.com

“Svenska kraftnät is now making extensive future investments in the electricity grid and Sweco is proud to be able to assist with multidisciplinary expertise,” said Ann-Louise Lökholm Klasson, president of Sweco Sweden. “We support Svenska kraftnät in its long term efforts to develop and secure the reliability of a robust national grid that secures the supply of electricity and contributes to a more resilient society.”

Svenska kraftnät is a Swedish state owned enterprise that is assigned by the government to maintain and develop Sweden’s national grid for electricity. The company has tasked Sweco with completing a comprehensive review and upgrade of the electricity transmission system throughout the country. This involves ensuring the reliability of the 16,000km of overhead lines that make up the backbone of Sweden’s electricity supply. The assignment extends until 2031 and is valued at just over SEK 50mn.

Sweco will complete a preliminary study

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May 2024