The iron & steel sector, the largest consumer of energy among all industrial sectors, is taking some benchmark initiatives, ranging from conventional energy-efficient measures to cutting-edge technological solutions, to reduce resultant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to FE-EVI Green Business Survey 2009-10.
The findings of the survey will be made public in New Delhi on the World Environment Day (June 5). The FE-EVI Green Business Leadership Awards 2009-10 will also be given on the occasion. Organised jointly by The Financial Express and Emergent Ventures India, a climate change & sustainable development advisory firm, in association with knowledge partner Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, the event is expected to bring together green leaders from the industry and policy making.
Elaborating on companies that are following the best practices to reduce emissions, FE-EVI Green Business Survey 2009-10 quotes numerous examples. Jindal Steel has set up a power generating facility using waste gases generated from the blast furnace in steel making. This is a CDM project generating carbon credits for more than 10 years.
At Tata Steel, four coal-fired gas boilers have been converted to byproduct gas-fired ones. They are also implementing a waste heat recovery project from sinter cooler.
The most important initiatives being implemented are the upgradation of equipment and processes.
Essar Steel has brought down its emissions to 1.5t/tonne of steel, a global benchmark, through superior technology implementation.
Steel is the most recycled material in the world. Around 40% of new steel is produced via recycling. Manufacturing steel from recycled steel scrap requires about a third of the amount of energy needed to produce steel from iron ore.
Companies are proactively investing in technologies to mitigate carbon emissions. Even cross combinations of inputs/outputs are being done by various companies. For example, Monnet Ispat is generating electricity through waste heat recovery and bricks are being manufactured from fly ash.
Similarly, in metals and mining, companies like Sterlite, Sesa Goa and Vedanta Aluminium have made climate change management a part of their business strategy and put in place mechanisms to track their status and progress vis-?-vis climate change, according to the survey.
Energy-efficient processes across the entire value chain are expected to ensure reduction in GHG emissions because fossil fuel contributes over 95% of the emissions generated directly by the mining industry. The use of energy in any form leads to the emission of GHGs. Therefore, controlling energy use will result in GHG emissions management and reduction.
The action process for optimising energy use and minimising GHG emissions in the mining industry consists of taking measures at all stages of the mining process ? exploration & drilling, ventilation and dust extraction, water management, transportation, crushing and milling.
Besides, adds the report, it is an imperative for the metals & mining sector to address the problem of managing exploration better, especially dealing with the in-rush of mining and exploration companies when a particular area suddenly becomes hot.