The two companies will focus on system-level assessments of Tata Steel’s manufacturing plants and production facilities, aiming to assess and collaboratively devise short-term and long-term solutions for energy efficiency, decarbonisation and circularity.
In a monumental move towards sustainability, Tata Steel, one of the world’s leading steel manufacturers, has joined forces with ABB, a global technology leader, to embark on a groundbreaking journey to reduce the carbon footprint of steel production. This partnership signals a transformative step in the steel industry’s commitment to combat climate change and transition to more eco-friendly practices.
ABB, renowned for its expertise in electrification, automation, and digitalisation solutions, will provide the technological backbone for Tata Steel’s efforts to lower emissions. By leveraging ABB’s advanced automation and control systems, Tata Steel aims to optimise its manufacturing processes, reduce energy consumption, and decrease carbon emissions significantly.
Tata Steel and ABB’s strategic partnership aims to change that narrative by integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into their steel production processes.
Key areas of exploration include:
- Hydrogen Integration: The two companies will investigate the feasibility of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for various production processes. This move is expected to contribute significantly to energy optimisation.
- Electrification and Digital Systems: ABB will leverage its advanced digital systems, including ABB Ability eMine and e-Mobility solutions, alongside energy-efficient motors, to drive energy reduction and substitution efforts within Tata Steel’s operations.
Vipul Gautam, Group Vice President and Global Account Executive for Tata Group at ABB, noted, “Steel companies know there are opportunities to improve their processes, and Tata Steel is one of the leaders in this movement towards energy efficiency and reduction of carbon footprint. Accordingly, World Economic Forum figures anticipate the energy transition will require as much as three billion metric tonnes of metals over the medium term—six times more mineral inputs by 2040—to reach net-zero emissions globally by 2050.
To ensure sustainable growth, Tata Steel is actively deploying critical mechanisms for deep decarbonisation. These include increasing the use of scrap in steel production, adopting alternate fuels such as natural gas and green hydrogen, incorporating renewable energy sources, and implementing carbon capture, storage, and utilisation technologies. This strategic alliance with ABB is a crucial element in Tata Steel’s plan to expand its capacity to 40 million metric tonnes by 2030 while adhering to sustainable practices.
The global steel industry has been identified as a significant contributor to global fossil fuel CO₂ emissions, accounting for approximately 7 to 9 per cent of such emissions, according to various sources, including the International Energy Agency (IEA).
This collaboration sets a compelling example for industries worldwide as they strive to address the urgent challenges of climate change. Tata Steel and ABB’s joint efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of steel production demonstrate a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship and a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Source: Multiple Sources
