Thesis Work - Flexibility in Electrical Arc Furnaces

Are you a student looking to apply your knowledge to real-world solutions that support the energy transition? With us, you will have the opportunity to complete your thesis project close to the business, working alongside experienced specialists and tackling challenges where your ideas and perspectives can make a real difference. 

About the Thesis Work

At Vattenfall R&D, within the Energy Systems & Processes section, we contribute to the energy transition through research and development in areas such as energy systems, fossil-free production technologies, and future energy value chains.

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.

The thesis is suitable for one or two students.

We are looking for students who are about to complete their academic studies and are eager to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting through a thesis project at Vattenfall. You are someone who shares our values and identifies with our principles: Active, Open, Positive and Safety. 

• M.Sc. student (Civilingenjör) in Energy Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management, Engineering Physics, or a related field.
• Interested in energy systems, industrial decarbonization, and electricity markets.
• Strong analytical skills and an interest in modelling and optimization.
• Eager to apply academic knowledge in a real-world research environment..
• Thesis scope: 30 ECTS credits.
• Proficiency in English or Swedish.

• Start date: 2027-01-15 or by agreement.
• Location: Solna
• Application – Submit a single file containing your CV(s) and a copy of your academic transcripts. Please note that only one file can be uploaded with your application, so it is important that all required information is combined into the same document.
• Application deadline: 2026-10-18
• Contact person and supervisor at Vattenfall: Joakim Lilliebjörn, joakim.lilliebjoern@vattenfall.com.

Diversity and Inclusion – In Everything We Do

At Vattenfall, we value being Active, Positive, Open, and Safety-conscious. We are looking for employees who share our vision and can contribute to strengthening our company culture. We believe that diversity helps build a more successful and attractive company, and we strive to be role models in diversity and inclusion. Vattenfall actively works to ensure that all employees have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of age, ethnic or cultural background, gender identity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or disability. Read more about how we work with diversity and inclusion here.

Vattenfall is part of Sweden’s critical infrastructure, and many of our positions are therefore classified from a security perspective. If this position is security-classified, a security screening will be conducted prior to employment in accordance with the Swedish Security Protection Act.

Vattenfall is a leading European energy company serving approximately 12 million customers and employing around 21,000 people. We believe there is a way to build a future where everyone can choose fossil-free ways to move, make, and live.