Canadian steel plate producer Algoma sustains production for now while full restore is underway
Canadian steel plate and hot-rolled steel products producer Algoma Steel has been working closely with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to implement interim operating arrangements at its Lake Superior Power generating facility following an unplanned outage earlier this year.
Algoma resumed electric arc furnace production from August 29 while an affected turbine on site remains unavailable.
The company affirms it is currently maintaining sustained production under these arrangements, including through certain planned work on the provincial electricity system.
“We are currently producing and shipping steel within the parameters of these interim arrangements. The IESO is reviewing upcoming planned power system outages, with the objective of minimizing potential interruptions to our steelmaking operations while maintaining the safety and reliability of the provincial electricity system,” Algoma states.
Algoma is pursuing multiple alternatives intended to restore full generating capacity at Lake Superior Power as quickly as possible. These include the repair and return to service of the affected turbine and securing a replacement turbine.
The company is working with GE and other parties to advance these alternatives in parallel and determine the most effective and timely path to restore full generating capacity.
Algoma says it continues to assess the potential impact on production and shipments while actively advancing several mitigation options.
The extent of any impact will depend on the timing and implementation of these measures, which are expected to reduce the potential production impact.