Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that the world faces today. The fourth assessment report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR4) concluded that the warming of the earth's climatic system is unequivocal. The global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has increased from pre-industrial value of 280 ppm to 379 ppm in 2005, which is causing global temperatures to increase and climate to change. Internationally, the political focus on climate change is significant and cannot be underestimated. Government of India has recently released a National Action Plan on Climate Change. Recognising that climate change is a global challenge, India has decided to engage actively in multilateral negotiations in the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC), with a view to promote sustainable production processes and life styles across the globe based on the principle of equity. Tata Steel initiated a flurry of activities at various levels and locations to address climate change issues, as described below : Launching of Vision 2012 - To reduce Carbon di-oxide emission Tata Steel recently launched Vision 2012 that emphasises on the reduction of CO2 Emission (to the level of 1.5 t/tls). Carbon dioxide is the major Green House Gas responsible for climate change. Climate change and the impact of emissions on the environment are of increasing concern to all stakeholders |
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and this is a major issue for the steel industry because, owing to its technological processes, it currently cannot avoid contributing to the problem. Tata Steel wants to be part of the solution and is addressing this issue proactively with a multi-pronged approach, looking at opportunities to reduce carbon emissions in the short to medium-term and to support the development of carbon trading schemes. The Tata Steel Group is also, through projects such as the Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking project (ULCOS), engaged in cutting edge research to develop new technologies for the long-term future of the industry, which will break through existing technological barriers, to achieve a 50% reduction of carbon emissions by 2050.
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It is a challenge and responsibility for the steel industry to be a trustee in the conservation of nature for future generations. Steel is itself an environmentally friendly and recyclable product but steel making generates emissions and waste, which need to be managed.
Of particular concern are CO2 emissions, which are significant in the steel industry. A climate change strategy is in development and various measures are underway to improve performance both in the short and longer-term. A strategy has been formulated to this effect that highlights the following points:
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CO2 Emissions
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Tata Steel believes that awareness and training for climate change initiatives will facilitate the implementation process at an accelerated rate. A number of initiatives are being implemented in this direction since launching of Vision 2012.
Tata Steel Works at Jamshedpur has reduced the CO2 emission by 36 % in the last 12 years. This has been possible by phasing out of old and inefficient facilities, adoption of modern energy efficient equipment and processes, improving the by-product fuel recovery and usage, waste heat recovery etc. A large number of projects have been identified for reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emission to reach the target level of CO2 emission in Vision 2012. These projects are in addition to a large number of small process improvement and energy efficiency projects.
Tata Steel is actively participating in the international climate change initiatives taken by International Iron & Steel Institute (IISI) and Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APPCDC). IISI has adopted a climate change policy and set up data collection groups to develop a global steel sector approach to climate change based on common reporting methodology.
A high-level Climate Change Task Force (CCCTF) was established in February 2007 in order to define an effective strategy in combating climate change and its adverse effects. Recommendations made by the CCCTF are in the process of being implemented and a Climate Change Programme Office has been established to facilitate and monitor the process. Further Tata Steel Europe is committed to leading by example and developing a pro-active role in global steel sector initiatives through the International Iron & Steel Institute (IISI).
Some of the main initiatives in TSE' climate change strategy include:
- Emissions reduction - TSE continues to improve its current processes to increase energy efficiency and to reduce carbon footprint, with a target of reducing CO2 emissions per tonne of liquid steel (t/tls) by at least 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.
- Investing in technology - Utilizing long-term breakthrough technologies, through initiatives such as ULCOS.
- Market opportunities – Reduction of the environmental impact over the products' life-cycles.
- Employee engagement – Active participation of TSE's workforce in environment management.
The CO2 emissions across Tata Steel Thailand's operations, measured in tonnes per tonne of liquid steel (the associated key performance indicator for Tata Steel Group), were an average of 0.51 t/tls in 2007-08. In 2007-08 SISCO CO2 direct emissions were 36,585 kg; i.e. 131 kg per tonne of crude steel. CO2 indirect emissions were 97,117 kg; i.e. 349 kg/tcs.
Monitoring devices are effectively instituted to maintain a tab on performance in this area and to ensure that emissions remain below 1 t/tls following the Mini Blast Furnace project, in line with the 2012 goal.
NSH has been alert to the possible impact of climate change and is taking active steps to manage its CO2 emissions in its processes. Although the current CO2 emission level is well below the group target, NSH has set itself a goal of reducing CO2 emission further by 25% by 2012 through process improvements. The emission level of smoke, particulates, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen are regularly monitored at the two main sources of air pollution, the arc furnace and the rolling mill. The measures adopted have been effective in controlling emissions within standard limits stipulated in the government's Environmental Pollution Control Act.
