Decarbonizing energy-intensive industries

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The steel industry produces one of the most significant materials for engineering and construction – yet is also among the biggest producers of carbon emissions. As demand for steel grows, the decarbonization of the industry grows ever more important if we are to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

ABB is supporting the steel industry in moving toward lower emissions intensities. In partnership with ArcelorMittal, a multinational steel and mining company, ABB is introducing ArcelorMittal’s low-carbon steel in its Kabeldon power distribution systems. The XCarb® steel is made with 100 percent renewable energy and uses a minimum of 75 percent recycled steel. Through this sourcing agreement, ABB is supporting the steel industry’s efforts to become more sustainable while reducing the environmental impact of its power distribution systems. The project also includes the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, enabling ArcelorMittal to transition to a more sustainable energy mix. By using advanced technologies, the partnership aims to lower GHG emissions in steel production, contributing to both companies' efforts to achieve their net-zero targets. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative by ArcelorMittal to decarbonize its operations and align with global sustainability goals. 

In the mining sector, ABB has worked with Boliden and Epiroc to deploy the first fully battery-electric trolley truck system on an 800-meter-long underground mine test track in Sweden, bringing the industry a step closer to realizing the all-electric mine of the future.

The collaboration in Boliden’s Kristineberg mine in northern Sweden marks a critical moment for the industry as it continues to face rising pressures to boost essential minerals and metals outputs while reducing carbon intensity and energy usage. By deploying the battery-electric trolley truck system, the collaboration partners aim to demonstrate that the underground working environment can be significantly improved, with fewer emissions, less noise and reduced vibration, all while reducing the total cost per ton.

ABB created the infrastructure from grid to wheel, including the electric trolley truck system design and the rectifier substation for the test track. The definition of standards and vehicle interface was jointly developed by the project partners. The eMine™ Trolley System also integrates with the distributed control system ABB Ability™ System 800xA® to monitor the electrical system.

As part of the collaboration, Epiroc has added dynamic charging to its battery-electric Minetruck MT42 SG and battery system, and the trolley solution is equipped with ABB’s DC converter, inverters and motors to enhance the power.

Boliden intends to implement a full scale, autonomous electric-trolley system in the Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the  Kristineberg mine. The total distance will be 5 km at a depth of 750 meters. Once achieved, not only will Rävliden have significantly less carbon emissions compared to a mine using conventional technology, it will also be part of setting a standard for new mines.

While the maritime industry is taking steps to decarbonize operations during vessels' transit, there are also significant opportunities to reduce the negative environmental impact in ports.

One issue that leads to increased emissions is a pattern where ships are instructed to proceed without delay to port, only to face a wait upon arrival because the berth is not available. During this wait, they continue using fuel, which generates additional emissions.

Despite advancements in smart ship technology and high levels of port automation, the relationships between port and ship systems lack transparency, with data on voyage and berth management often confined to closed platforms.

ABB is addressing this challenge in collaboration with optimization platform company Awake.AI and ship management company Wallenius Marine, and as part of the Decarbonization through Digitalization in Shipping (DECARDIS) project, initiated by the European Space Agency.

The DECARDIS project aims to develop an integrated and interoperable solution to synchronize decisions on ship routing and speed with just-in-time arrival at the berth. It seeks to optimize an entire voyage and port calls, rather than just a portion of it. Adopted globally, DECARDIS partners estimate that such a solution could help achieve significant emission reductions for the industry.

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