The production of steel, aluminum and copper account for about 10% of global CO₂ emissions,and amid global trends, the metals industry is on the verge of a historic transformation, says SMS group Italy, Middle East and Africa chief sales officer Alberto Bregante. 

The company notes that the metals industry is in a favourable position, as technologies capable of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions are ready for implementation, providing a significant opportunity for those involved to combat climate change.

“We optimise and decarbonise steel production by employing innovative approaches and thinking outside of the box. We are at the forefront of developing hydrogen as a key component for the future of our industry . . . we leverage our metallurgical expertise to promote the circular economy for steel, aluminium, copper and all other non-ferrous metals that drive technological advancement in the digital age,” Bregante explains.

SMS group offers solutions to decarbonise the entire metals production process chain, progressing from a stepwise reduction to achieving carbon neutrality and, depending on customer specifications, the company can provide technologies to ensure the success of customers’ decarbonisation strategies.

Bregante notes the significance of implementing add-on technologies and digital solutions for existing metallurgical plants to enhance resource and energy efficiency, without altering existing infrastructure.

Introducing new integrated process solutions that enable the metals industry to significantly reduce its CO₂ footprint, such as direct reduction plants and enhanced furnace technology, will be required.

There also a need to establish additional infrastructure for fossil-free energy sources, such as hydrogen, biomass, green electricity and for carbon capture solutions, to help companies achieve carbon neutrality.

He adds that SMS group focuses on a variety of key decarbonisation technologies to support sustainable metal production by reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency and promoting the use of alternative energy sources.

The company asserts that the decarbonisation of the primary phase of steel production could be the major lever that reduces CO₂ emissions. 

However, owing to the long investment cycles for metallurgical plants, Bregante stresses that a large part of future CO₂ savings must come from the conversion of existing mills. 

He says there is no ‘one-size-fits-all best option’ and, therefore, the company can provide custom-made solutions for any scenario, taking into account local conditions, such as iron-ore quality, energy infrastructure and existing equipment, as well as local policies, rules and regulations. 

Challenges & Opportunities 

With rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development and industrialisation, the demand for steel is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, states SMS group.

India is as one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of steel, and it is well positioned to support manufacturers in developing profitable, resource-efficient and climate-neutral value chains, the company adds.

“With over 14 000 employees across more than 100 locations worldwide, we are close to our customers, including more than 3 000 employees in India. Our team leverages its expertise in digital transformation, sustainable plant technologies and the circular economy to facilitate the transformation of metals production and recycling,” highlights Bregante.

SMS group offers a service portfolio that spans the entire life cycle of metals production facilities, with a current turnover exceeding €3-billion.

Bregante says the key challenges to the metals industry include market volatility, and meeting the requirements for technological advancements, as well as embedding sustainability, environmental regulations and digital transformation.

The company uses an innovative approach, bundling its competencies in hardware, electrics, automation, digitisation and service to address these challenges.

“In doing so, we focus on crucial key performance indicators, such as plant availability, product quality, productivity or delivery reliability, but also on increasingly relevant topics such as sustainability and safety.”

By combining decades of scientific metallurgy expertise and process know-how with the most up-to-date advances in machine learning and AI, SMS group provides technical solutions that allow for production efficiency and product quality, all while reducing carbon output and energy consumption.

The company also places emphasis on the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in driving sustainability and efficiency, fostering multisectoral collaborations and keeping abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes and technological advancements to make informed and strategic decisions.