Czech-based Třinecké Železárny postpones steelmaking decarbonization plans
The Czech Republic’s largest steelmaker Třinecké Železárny has announced that it is postponing the completion date of the largest decarbonization investment in its history with completion now expected no earlier than 2030 instead of the previously announced 2028.
This investment would lead to a gradual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990.
The postponement includes key changes in steelmaking, including the construction of an electric arc furnace and infrastructure. Until the completion, it will actively negotiate with the government of the Czech Republic and the European Union to secure adequate support for the successful implementation of the project.
The main reasons for the delay in the implementation of the electric arc furnace are the lack of public support, uncertainty about the future direction of Europe in the rules related to the Green Deal, the current negative situation in the steel market, and unclear rules for protecting the market from imports from countries with lower steel production costs.
Czech-based Třinecké Železárny to increase energy independence with photovoltaic system
The Czech Republic’s largest steelmaker Třinecké Železárny has announced that it has commissioned its newly installed rooftop photovoltaic system within the scope of its decarbonization goals.
Accordingly, the system consisting of 224 solar panels with a capacity of 98.56 kWp in total was installed at the company’s social facilities building. All the generated energy will be directly used by Třinecké Železárny’s rolling mill.
As a result, the investment will not only contribute to the decarbonization of the company’s operations but also reduce its operating costs and increase its energy independence.
Trinecke Zelezarny increases Czech output share
Trinecke Zelezarny (TZ)’s crude steel production was more or less flat on-year in 2023 at 2.42 million tonnes, raising its share in Czech output to 71%, the firm says.
This was despite global steel consumption falling for a fourth time in five years and steeply rising energy prices impacting competitiveness.
TZ’s revenue dropped 14% in 2023 to CZK 49.7 billion ($2.13 billion) but the firm still closed with a CZK 44 million profit.
Deliveries of wire rod rose 4% in 2023 to 937,500t, but sales of bars and sections, mainly to the automotive industry, declined 5% to 487,000t. Rail and railway accessories sales were 250,000t, of which 89% was exported, Kallanish notes.
Capital expenditure last year was CZK 1.4 billion, allocated to automation, energy savings, increasing the efficiency of operations, and, most notably, dedusting both blast furnaces.
The firm is working towards the production of low-emission steel, which mainly involves the installation of an electric arc furnace. However, according to TZ supervisory board vice chairman Ján Moder, sufficient clean energy at competitive prices and scrap supply in the European market, as well as effective EU protection measures against imports will be essential for successful decarbonisation. Subsidies will also be crucial, he adds.
Adam Smith Poland
