The event explored the latest trends in energy transition solutions in hot rolling and heat treatment furnaces, and marked the launch of the TenovaLAB for testing low-emission combustion systems.
Gianfelice Rocca welcomed the participants and shared the Techint Group's intention to move forward towards the decarbonization of the steel industry.
Tenova, a leading developer of sustainable solutions for the green transition of the metals industry, hosted its first Sustainable Heating Technologies Summit and officially launched TenovaLAB, a cutting-edge test facility for the development of efficient and low-emission combustion systems.
Held March 1 at Tenova's headquarters in Castellanza, Italy, this was the first big event that the company hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic. It brought together over 100 participants from around 40 companies and 14 countries. Tenova's leading experts in business development, data science, environmental technology, hydrogen, and research spoke at the event on some of the most critical issues for decarbonizing metals.
The event was also the largest ever held on the new Tenova Campus, providing a unique opportunity for networking within the metalworking community, and promoting the gathering of clients, partners, salespeople, suppliers, and prospects.
The summit began with a welcome address from Gianfelice Rocca, Tenova’s Chairman. He outlined Techint Group's strategies to help decarbonize the steel industry and push the energy transition forward. "The steel industry produces 7% to 8% of the world's CO2, equivalent to the CO2 output of all of Europe, so it has a huge responsibility that we deeply feel at Techint," he said.
“Despite the many problems in coordinating a global approach, the world is on a clear path and Techint Group will not shy away from contributing to sustainability. Currently, several technologies can serve as the first step in replacing coal with gas. These technologies can be applied to transitioning from blast furnaces to direct reduction and electric arc furnaces. In the future, with the availability of hydrogen, it may also be possible to incorporate hydrogen into these processes," Rocca added.
In his opening remarks, Roberto Pancaldi, CEO of Tenova, said: "When developing new technology, we rely not only on our internal knowledge and expertise, but we can also leverage the knowledge, expertise, and experience of our colleagues in Ternium and Tenaris, our steel-producing companies. They help us by sharing their needs and giving us their feedback and experience with our technologies, which they test and employ in their plants. This, by the way, explains why we are so far ahead on the road to decarbonizing the steel industry.”
The conference had three main sessions: Tenova's vision for the energy transition of the metals industry, which looked at the step-by-step approach to decarbonizing heating processes; the use of industrial applications for improved efficiency, which outlined how different technologies can help save energy; and The TenovaLAB Journey, during which experts led visitors on guided tours of the TenovaLAB.
TenovaLAB aims to reproduce the same operating conditions as reheating and heat treatment furnaces while integrating automation and digital technologies into the combustion system to reduce CO2, gas consumption, and NOx emissions. During the event, visitors could see the technology in action with a live demonstration and explore a dedicated exhibition area.
Don't miss the virtual tour!
A virtual tour is available for those of you who didn't get the chance to visit the TenovaLAB in person. Scan the QR code with your mobile device, move the screen for a 360-degree view at any point along your walk, click on the "hot points" to go deeper in the tour, and enjoy the augmented reality experience!
