Thesis Work - Flexibility in Electrical Arc Furnaces

The steel industry is undergoing a major transformation driven by decarbonization, electrification, and an increasing share of renewable energy. Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) are expected to play a central role in this shift, with several new projects planned across Europe. This thesis will investigate the future deployment of EAFs and assess their potential to provide flexibility to the power system while supporting the integration of renewable energy.

As part of the thesis, you will:

Map announced and planned EAF projects across Europe, including their geographical distribution, electricity demand, and key characteristics.
Identify representative EAF cases for further analysis.
Develop optimization models to evaluate how EAF operations can be adapted to different electricity market conditions.
Analyze opportunities to reduce electricity costs through flexible production planning.
Assess the potential for EAFs and complementary technologies, such as batteries, to provide flexibility services to the power system.
Evaluate participation in electricity markets, including day-ahead, intraday, and ancillary service markets, where relevant.

The objective of the thesis is to quantify the value of operational flexibility in electric arc furnaces and explore how future steel production can strengthen both industrial competitiveness and the integration of renewable energy in the European power system