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At The 8th ABM Week, Leaders Of The Mining-Metallurgical Sector Discussed Decarbonization Goals Through Technological Transformations And Renewable Energy.
At The 8th ABM Week, leaders of the mining-metallurgical sector focused on decarbonization goals by exploring technological innovations and the use of renewable energy. Various experts shared their perspectives during the discussions, highlighting the crucial role of technological transformations in the pursuit of decarbonization. The event not only served as a space for exchanging ideas but also emphasized the relevance of intersectoral collaboration to address current environmental challenges.
Although cost is a considerable barrier, the industry is focused on adopting disruptive technologies to achieve decarbonization goals. During the presentations, various strategies for reducing emissions were discussed, emphasizing the need for ongoing innovations and investments in clean energy. In addition, the plenary highlighted methods to directly prevent carbon creation, underscoring the importance of an integrated and sustainable approach to a greener future.
Event On Decarbonization In The Steel Sector
The event held on the afternoon of September 4 attracted numerous leaders and specialists from the steel sector to discuss the technological transformations needed to address environmental challenges and drive the decarbonization of the industry.
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Carlos Daroit, who holds the position of Industrial Director Mini-Mills at Gerdau, a sponsor of the Plenary, highlighted in his opening speech the time needed for significant technological implementations in the sector.
Challenges In Implementing Technologies For Reducing Carbon Emissions
‘When we talk about disruptive technologies in the pursuit of decarbonization, we remember that the steel industry follows well-established technological routes, and changes in processes are slow, mainly due to the need for capital-intensive investments and long maturation periods. Even with technological advances in recent decades, the steel sector needs new solutions to meet increasing environmental demands and improve the performance and competitiveness of companies’, said Daroit.
Technological Transformations And Necessary Investments
Under the moderation of Erick Bispo Torres, CEO of ArcelorMittal Pecém, the Plenary identified that despite the commitment to decarbonization, the sector requires time and investment to transform its processes. ‘This journey needs attention, understanding, and direction’, emphasized Torres, highlighting important issues for the trajectory, such as the need for legal security and tax training so that companies can generate jobs associated with decarbonization.
Torres also mentioned that an investment of approximately R$ 600 billion would be necessary in Brazil. He predicted a potential increase of up to 80% in steel costs by 2050, indicating the long road ahead for decarbonization.
Energy Impacts And The Path To Decarbonization
Participants in the event also raised concerns about energy consumption in new technologies, which will require more than current processes. ‘By 2050, we will need six times more electricity, twelve times more hydrogen, twice as much natural gas, and 25 times more carbon capture in the processes to reduce emissions’, informed Torres.
Paul Tockert, Executive Vice President of Metallurgy at SMS Group, stated that ‘two-thirds of the production of renewable energy would be needed to make the steel industry green’.
Possibilities For Reducing Emissions
Norbert Petermaier, Executive Vice President and Head Of Global Sales at Primetals, highlighted three paths companies can follow for decarbonization: electrification of production, directly avoiding carbon creation, and carbon capture, storage, and utilization. He mentioned that the adoption of renewable electric energy, such as solar and wind, in steel production is one of the major challenges. However, Brazil has certain advantages. Petermaier stated that by 2030, the cost of hydrogen production in Brazil will be 2.5 to 2.8 USD per kg, while in Europe, the cost reaches 8 USD.
Renewable Energy As An Ally In Decarbonization
Rolando Paolone, CEO and CTO of Danieli, pointed out that ‘Brazil has 80% to 90% renewable energy, while in Europe only 30% of energy comes from renewable sources’. He indicated that in some regions, a return to the use of nuclear energy may be considered viable. However, Paolone emphasized that the necessary investment is one of the biggest challenges for decarbonization.
‘Proven solutions already exist, but they are not being implemented due to the high costs involved. In Europe, some industries receive government subsidies. Moreover, the development of effective technology takes time, and even more time for market adoption’, explained Paolone.
Scrap Recycling And Adoption Of New Technologies
Itamar Resende, CEO of Boston Metal Brasil, emphasized that scrap recycling will remain an essential method, as it is the most ecological form of production. However, there is a growing demand for steel with low carbon emissions. He believes in the accelerated adoption of new technologies by the steel industry, making it clear that ’although steelmaking is a conservative sector, it historically shows that it quickly adopts technological solutions that solve problems’.
Conclusion Of The Debate And Future Perspectives
The conclusion of the debate, led by Aristidis Betzios, Key Account Manager at Danieli, and Helênio Rezende, Consultant at the Sales Department of Paul Wurth / SMS Group, was that decarbonization is an inevitable path but with multiple possibilities and trajectories.
‘What we need to do, as paradoxical as it may seem, is to transform the steel industry so that we can continue to have the world we know’, noted Tockert. He also emphasized that there is no single universal model for all countries, as each nation has specific resources available, so each will adopt solutions that best fit its reality.
Industry Participation In Decarbonization
The discussion showed that technology companies are making progress in the field of decarbonization and that the steel sector understands the necessary actions in the short, medium, and long term. ‘In the short term, the emphasis is on increasing performance, identifying scrap that can be transformed, and reducing fuel use.’
Disruptive technologies are gaining ground, but a clear and unique proposal is essential for the country to advance effectively in this regard’, concluded Torres.
About The 8th ABM Week
The ABM Week is a leading technical-scientific event in Latin America, focused on the metallurgy, materials, and mining sectors. Annually organized by the Brazilian Association of Metallurgy, Materials, and Mining (ABM), the conference brings together professionals, researchers, and companies to explore the latest innovations and challenges faced by the sector.
The 8th edition of ABM Week, hosted by ArcelorMittal, is sponsored by several notable companies, including DME Engenharia, Gerdau, Vale, CBMM, Gecal, Primetals, Shinagawa, SMS group / Paul Wurth / Vetta, Ternium, Usiminas, White Martins, HWI – a member of Calderys, Carboox, Ibar, Vesuvius, Villares Metals, Aperam, Danieli, Kofre, PSI, Reframax, RHI Magnesita, Beda / Lechler, BRC, Bruker, Clariant.
Event Details
Cordstrap, D&M, DHM Group, DITH Refractories, GMI, Harsco, IMS, Kuttner, Lhoist, Magna, Nalco Water, Phoenix, Polytec, RIP, Russula, Sinomach, Tecnosulfur, Yellow Solutions, ABB, AçoKorte, Alkegen, Atomat, Bautek, Cisdi, Coalician Carbon, Dassault Systemes, Data Engenharia, Densit, Direxa Engineering, Eirich, ElectraClean, Enacom, ESW, Evonik, Fluke, Fosbel, GE Vernova, Hastec, Heraeus Electro-Nite, Ingersoll Rand, Intelbras, Irle Rolls, Köppern, Lumar Metals, Maud Group, Nouryon, Rimac, Serthi Hidráulica, Sinosteel, Smarttech, Solenis, Spectraflow, Spraying Systems, SunCoke Energy, Timken, TSR Mill Rolls, Vamtec Group, Veolia, Vika Controls, Vixteam, Weir, and ZwickRoell.
Service:
Plenary Mining And Metallurgy: Disruptive Technologies In Search Of Decarbonization
Date: September 4, 2024
Location: Auditorium ArcelorMittal, Pro Magno Centro de Eventos – Av. Profa. Ida Kolb, nº 513, Jardim das Laranjeiras, São Paulo – SP
More information: https://www.abmbrasil.com.br/por/evento/abm-week-8-edicao
Source: © denise.freire@gotcha.com.br
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