ENERGY EFFICIENCY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Steel and iron manufacturing uses large quantities of energy.  More than 80 per cent of the energy is used in the chemical process.

BlueScope Steel is continuously seeking ways to reduce its energy intensity through a range of energy efficiency projects. 

For example, gases generated from iron-making are captured and reused in heating processes, reducing the need to purchase additional sources of energy. Natural gas (about 10%) and electricity (about 7%) make up the majority of remaining energy use.

BlueScope Steel’s total global energy consumption has risen marginally from 147.1 petajoules in FY2007 to 148.6 petajoules in FY2008. The increase in energy consumption can generally be attributed to an increase in production output.

Energy intensity for the Company globally has remained stable over the last five years, at approximately 21 gigajoules per tonne of raw steel manufactured. 

Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Program

BlueScope Steel is a participant in the Federal Energy Efficiency Opportunities program. Under the program, detailed assessments of energy use and the potential for savings were carried out at a number of key plant departments in Port Kembla Steelworks, Springhill and Western Port sites during the year. The energy use assessed represents around 80% of BlueScope Steels total energy use in Australia. The assessments identified a range of potential ideas to save energy. These ideas in some cases also have the potential to save greenhouse gases.

Each idea or concept is still required to undergo a thorough technical and financial feasibility assessment to determine its viability. A summary of progress for BlueScope Steel’s first reporting period (1 January 2006 to 30 June 2008) is provided in the Table below.

Further information on the Energy Efficiency Opportunities program is available on the corporate website www.bluescopesteel.com