Emission-free rolling mill initiated at Riesa's steel mill - Zero-emission rolling mill commences operation at Riesa's steelworks
Feralpi's Elbe Steelworks is shaking up the steel industry with the launch of a groundbreaking electric rolling mill in Riesa. "The opening of our revolutionary rolling mill in Riesa signifies our forward-thinking approach and unwavering dedication to technological advancements," stated Giuseppe Pasini, CEO of Feralpi, at the plant's inauguration. Feralpi aims to solidify its position in the global market and lead the charge for more sustainable steel production with this move.
According to the company, this Riesa-based rolling mill is the first in Germany to operate emission-free, bypassing "Scope 1" emissions during production. It achieves this feat through an innovative inductive heating system, free from fossil fuels. A longest-in-class 300-meter-long roller table connects the mill directly to the continuous casting plant, further reducing energy consumption and emissions through continuous hot delivery.
Kretschmer: Balancing Economy and Environment
Saxony's Premier, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), applauded Feralpi's initiatives for bolstering the industrial sector in Saxony and pioneering green steel production. "This is a powerful message, especially during challenging economic times." Companies like Feralpi should continue to seek favorable conditions that promote mutual value creation and technological transformation in a fair competitive landscape. "We must stand tall, identify our priorities, speak up, and charge ahead fearlessly," insisted Kretschmer, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing economy and ecology.
Feralpi invested an unprecedented 220 million euros in the Riesa site – the most significant single investment in the company's German history. As part of the expansion, approximately 100 new jobs are expected to be created, boosting the workforce to a total of around 950 employees.
Apart from the rolling mill, a modernized scrap processing facility, an in-house transformer station, and plant logistics, have also received upgrades.
Energy Prices and Scrap Challenges
At the same time, Pasini emphasized the impact of soaring energy costs in Germany, threatening the industry's competitiveness. Furthermore, the importance of viewing scrap as a strategic raw material for a circular economy was underscored.
Feralpi Steel ranks among the top ten steel producers in Germany. The Riesa plant primarily manufactures construction steel from recycled scrap.
- Riesa
- Rolling Mill
- Green Steel Production
- Germany
- Michael Kretschmer
[1] Danieli Group[2] Ecojar[3] Vattenfall Innovation[4] Thyssenkrupp Steel[5] Hydrogen-Based Ironmaking
- In addition to the cutting-edge electric rolling mill in Riesa, Feralpi is also partnering with companies like Danieli Group, Ecojar, Vattenfall Innovation, Thyssenkrupp Steel, and exploring hydrogen-based ironmaking to further its commitment to green steel production in Germany.
- Michael Kretschmer, Saxony's Premier, emphasized that companies like Feralpi should focus on finding favorable conditions that foster mutual value creation, technological transformation, and environmental sustainability in the industry.
- Through the modernization of its scrap processing facility, in-house transformer station, plant logistics, and the implementation of a green rolling mill in Riesa, Feralpi is making significant strides in the field of environmental science, addressing climate-change concerns via emission-free steel production, and driving innovation in the German industry.
