Technology Strategy to

Contribute Towards a
Steel Company’s ESG
Excellence

TEAM CABO, IIM SHILLONG

KARNIKA PAGARIA HARSHIT BORAR SURYAANSH BAHAL

 Pathway(s) to Utilize Digitalization in Sustainability
Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions: Reduce waste:

Digital technologies can be used to optimize energy consumption and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the steel manufacturing
process. For example, sensors can be used to monitor and optimize
energy use in blast furnaces, coke ovens, and other steelmaking
equipment. Additionally, digital technologies can be used to develop
new and more efficient steelmaking processes.
Digital technologies can be used to reduce waste in steel
manufacturing. For example, data analytics can be used to identify and
prevent defects in steel products. Additionally, digital technologies can
be used to develop new ways to reuse or recycle steel waste products.

Improve resource efficiency:

Digital technologies can be used to improve resource

efficiency in steel manufacturing. Monitor and optimize the
use of raw materials, such as iron ore, coal, and limestone.
Additionally, digital technologies can be used to develop new
ways to recycle and reuse steel scrap.

Specific examples of how digital technologies can be used to improve sustainability in steel manufacturing:
Smart blast furnaces: Smart blast furnaces to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

Intelligent coke ovens: Intelligent coke ovens to optimize the coking process and reduce emissions.

Predictive maintenance: Predictive maintenance to identify and prevent equipment failures. This can help to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Digital twins: Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical assets, such as steel mills. Digital twins can be used to simulate and optimize steelmaking
processes.

Advanced process control: Advanced process control uses sensors and data analytics to continuously monitor and adjust steelmaking processes in real time
which will help to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
 HYDROGEN IN STEEL MANUFACTURING
Hydrogen is a clean energy source that can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from steel manufacturing. It can be used to replace coal in the blast
furnace process, or to produce direct reduced iron (DRI), which can then be used to make steel in an electric arc furnace (EAF).

POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS
The use of hydrogen in steel manufacturing has the potential to
significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the industry.

A recent study by the International Energy Agency (IEA) found that

hydrogen could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions from steel
production by up to 95%.

The use of hydrogen in the blast furnace process can reduce coke
consumption by up to 20%.
Hydrogen can be used to produce direct reduced iron (DRI), which can
then be used to make steel in an electric arc furnace (EAF). This
process can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 86%.
The main challenge with the use of hydrogen in steel
manufacturing is the cost of hydrogen production.
Hydrogen is currently more expensive to produce than coal, so the
use of hydrogen in steelmaking would increase the cost of steel.
Hydrogen is a gas, so it is more difficult to transport and store than
coal.
The development of new infrastructure for the transportation and
storage of hydrogen is required.
Overall, the use of hydrogen in steel manufacturing is a promising
approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the industry.
However, the challenges of cost and infrastructure need to be
addressed before hydrogen can be widely used in steelmaking.
 Use-Cases for Generative AI in Steel Manufacturing
CONCLUSION
Generative AI can be used in steel manufacturing in the
following ways: Digitalization, hydrogen, and generative AI
New product development: Generative AI can be used to have the potential to revolutionize the steel
develop new steel alloys with improved properties, such as industry and make it more sustainable. Steel
strength, corrosion resistance, and ductility.
Process optimization: Generative AI can be used to optimize companies that implement these technologies
steelmaking processes by identifying and eliminating can reduce their environmental impact,
bottlenecks.
Quality control: Generative AI can be used to develop new improve their ESG performance, and boost
quality control methods for steel products. their bottom line. However, it is important to
carefully consider the challenges and
Impact of Technology on Employees
opportunities associated with these
technologies before implementing them.
The implementation of new technologies in steel
manufacturing will have a significant impact on
employees. Some employees will need to be retrained
to operate new equipment and software. Additionally,
some jobs may be eliminated as a result of automation.
However, new jobs will also be created in the areas of
technology development, operation, and maintenance.

Overall, the impact of technology on employees in the

steel industry is likely to be positive. However, it is
important to ensure that employees are properly
trained and supported during the transition to new
technologies.
Thank
You