SSAB Borlänge and SSAB Arendal are to supply steel for the construction of several photovoltaic solar parks in Angola
The plants will strengthen the country’s electricity supply and help Angola switch to renewables and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The first step in the international business project was concluded with the Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) financing the transaction, guaranteed by the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN). Among the international parties involved in the project is SSAB, which will supply the steel.
“There are many parties involved in this extensive international project. An American lead supplier, Portuguese contractors, based in Angola, the Swedish authorities and Swedish steel from SSAB. The steel will be processed by one of our profile manufacturing partners in Sweden,” said Samuel Arvgård, regional sales manager at SSAB.
The photovoltaic solar park is one of seven different solar panel projects, two larger ones close to the Angolan capital of Luanda and five smaller projects in rural areas. The total capacity will be 370MW and will make a huge difference for the country’s electricity supply and reduce the country’s dependency on fossil energy sources.
Large share of Swedish content
To ensure that EKN could act as a guarantor of the Angolan government, several Swedish suppliers were one of the conditions. For SSAB, this means a total shipment of around 6,000 tonnes of steel, which will be processed into profiles to be piled into the ground and later be used in a racking system on which the solar panels will be mounted.
“Our role in the project involves supplying around 6,000 tonnes of steel during the first half of 2021. The steel will be processed at two Swedish workshops, where it will first be roll formed and then galvanised before being shipped in containers to Angola from the Port of Gothenburg,” said Samuel Arvgård.
Potential for more business
Once the first transaction is completed, EKN would appear to be a safe financier in this type of business. The potential for more business depends on how well the first part goes. The lead supplier will make an evaluation based on how well the commitments have been met and how secure the funding is.
“Each supplier will be evaluated and measured on its ability. The involvement of EKN to guarantee the financing gives Swedish suppliers a good chance with regard to the next stage. The project is all the more interesting since the end product supports our vision of a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world,” stated Samuel.
