The Green Revolution: Feralpi's Zero-Emission Rolling Mill in Riesa
Zero-Emission Rolling Mill Debuts in Riesa: Redefining Sustainable Manufacturing. - Zero-emission Rolling Mill Initiates Operations at Riesa Steelworks
Feralpi's Elbe Steelworks in Riesa, Saxony, Germany, has upped the ante in the green steel revolution with the grand opening of an electricity-powered rolling mill. "This ain't just a brick and mortar mill, it's a demonstration of our long-term vision and relentless pursuit of state-of-the-art technology," declared Giuseppe Pasini, big cheese at the Italian steel giant, at the plant's inauguration. Feralpi aims to take the global stage by strengthening its competitive edge and embracing a more eco-friendly production approach.
The novelty of this mill lies in its lack of direct carbon dioxide emissions (so-called "Scope 1" emissions), which is a first for rolling mills in Germany, making it the country's pioneering green rolling mill. The mill's advanced inductive heating system scraps the reliance on fossil fuels, making carbon-neutral steel rolling a reality. A 300-meter-long roller table connects the rolling mill directly to the continuous casting plant, paving the way for less energy consumption and lower emissions.
Kretschmer's Green Cheer
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) hailed Feralpi's commitment to Saxony's industrial sector and its efforts to churn out Earth-friendly steel. "This move is a powerful statement, especially in these turbulent economic times," said Kretschmer. Companies like Feralpi need breathing room to foster value creation and technological innovation in a fair competitive landscape. "We've gotta put our shoulders to the wheel, Identify our priorities, voice our interests boldly, and charge forward," emphasized Kretschmer, highlighting the need for a symbiotic relationship between the economy and the environment.
Feralpi poured over 220 million euros into the Riesa location—the biggest single investment in the company's German history. With the expansion, around 100 new jobs will roll into the workforce, upping the total headcount to about 950 employees.
Other than the rolling mill, a modernized scrap processing facility, an in-house power station, and plant logistics have also received an upgrade.
High Energy Prices: A Headache for Competitiveness
However, President Pasini raised a red flag about the astronomical energy prices in Germany, which pose a threat to the industry's competitiveness. Additionally, scrapped metal should be recognized as a crucial resource for a circular economy.
Feralpi Steel ranks among the top ten steel producers in Germany. The Riesa plant predominantly manufactures construction steel using recycled scrap.
- Riesa
- Rolling Mill
- Steel
- Germany
- Michael Kretschmer
[Enrichment: The zero-emission rolling mill in Riesa is the first of its kind in Germany. The mill leverages cutting-edge technology to produce rebar with zero direct CO2 emissions, positioned as a environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional rolling mills. The mill's advanced production technology enables the direct processing of wire rod into large spooled coils and supports production of coiled rebar. The mill's commitment to green steel production and the circular economy underscores Feralpi's dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices. The EU EMAS label has been bestowed upon Feralpi Stahl for maintaining emissions below regulatory limits, demonstrating the company's adherence to environmental standards. The Riesa mill is part of Feralpi Group's broader strategy towards low-emission, zero-waste steel production. It is expected to contribute to the reduction of the steel industry's carbon footprint and the transition towards a sustainable, circular economy.]
- Michael Kretschmer, the Minister President of Saxony, commended Feralpi's investment in environmental-science and technology at the Riesa Rolling Mill in Germany, stating that such efforts are crucial for fostering value creation, technological innovation, and promoting a symbiotic relationship between the economy and the environment.
- As part of its green initiatives, Feralpi's Riesa Steelworks in Germany is now offering community aid in the form of vocational training programs, focusing on equipping local residents with the necessary skills for careers in the steel industry, thereby contributing to the vocational training sector in the region.
