E.ON Polska has completed the construction of a heat recovery unit at the ArcelorMittal Poland smelter in Dąbrowa Górnicza. The system is now fully operational and generates the assumed energy savings. It is currently undergoing final warranty measurements. This innovative technology contributes to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and improved energy efficiency in the pig iron smelting process.
Modern heat recovery technology
The project includes the installation of heat exchangers designed to recover energy from flue gases with an average temperature of up to 250°C, which is returned to the technological process. As a result, the fuel gas and air are heated to a temperature of around 180°C, which brings tangible benefits:
• Reduction of CO2 emissions by 56 thousand tonnes per year,
• Energy recovery of 117 GWh per year,
• Reduction of coke consumption by nearly 10 thousand tons per year.
The heat recovery system is at the heart of the entire process. Preliminary results from the initial stages of work indicate that the assumed efficiency parameters are achieved. Current warranty measurements will confirm its long-term performance.
Working together for sustainable development
The launch of the heat recovery system is the result of many years of cooperation between E.ON EIS Polska and ArcelorMittal Poland, which already includes eight projects to increase energy efficiency. The heat recovery plant is another investment that supports sustainable steel production.
"Over the last 20 years, our company has reduced dust emissions by 90 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 42 percent compared to 2004. Reducing emissions is not everything. We have also long put emphasis on the energy efficiency of our processes, because we know that it is a very important element of an effective transformation" explains Piotr Drzystek, Director of Decarbonization at ArcelorMittal Poland. "The heat recovery installation is one of the projects that significantly increases our energy efficiency and ensures the security of energy supply. Thanks to it, we do not waste waste heat, but reuse it in the blast furnace process" he adds.
"This is an excellent example of how strategic cooperation can contribute to increasing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint in Poland. We are proud that as E.ON we can cooperate with ArcelorMittal Poland in the implementation of this transformation. Together, we implement modern solutions that not only increase energy efficiency, but also bring us closer to a more sustainable future" emphasizes Jörn-Erik Mantz, chairman of the Management Board of E.ON EIS Polska and Member of the Management Board of E.ON Polska.
An investment in the future
"As the General Contractor, we are very pleased with the fact that the commissioning of the installation was successful, in accordance with the schedule, and the installation is achieving the assumed parameters. For us, it is a confirmation that the design assumptions adopted at the beginning and the entire implementation process were carried out in a professional manner. A very good cooperation between all parties and partners involved in the implementation of this investment had a significant impact on the final success, for which we should thank” says Wojciech Szczurowski, Commercial Director of the Industrial Construction Office, Mostostal Zabrze Realizacje Przemysłowe.
Dynamic changes in the energy sector require innovative solutions. Projects such as the one implemented in Dąbrowa Górnicza respond to the need to reduce CO2 emissions in industrial processes and fit perfectly into the ESG strategy, which directly reduces production costs.
"Reducing our impact on the natural environment is one of our priorities. We are aware of the importance of a responsible approach to production and the continuous improvement of the energy efficiency of our plants. We have reduced energy consumption in our plants by as much as 40% compared to 2004, but we are not stopping there. A project such as the one with E.On Polska is an excellent example of our commitment to reducing CO2 in ongoing processes. Each such step brings us closer to decarbonization" explains Wojciech Koszuta, chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal Poland. "This is the largest investment in the recovery of waste heat from metallurgical processes in recent years. We are examining the potential of introducing similar solutions in other locations of our company" adds Michał Kocot, head of energy strategy.
As Jakub Mędrala, project manager on behalf of E.ON Polska, emphasizes: "Special recognition is due to Mostostal Zabrze Realizacje Przemysłowe S.A., which, as a general contractor, has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency. Thanks to their precise coordination and timeliness, the installation was made and connected to the existing system of blast furnace heaters in accordance with the schedule and constitutes an efficiently and effectively functioning system. The joint implementation of this project by ArcelorMittal Poland, E.ON Polska and Mostostal Zabrze Realizacje Przemysłowe S.A. as the general contractor is an excellent example of how effectively the modernization of production processes can proceed as part of the energy transition in industry."
