Hamilton steelmaker ArcelorMittal Dofasco is making a $1.8-billion investment into new steelmaking methods that will cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 60 per cent – 3 million tonnes – within the next seven years.
The plant will transition from blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace steelmaking to direct reduced iron (DRI) – electric arc furnace (EAF) production. While cutting emissions and eliminating the need to transport coke and coal, the shift will also eliminate flaring from coke making and ironmaking operations.
The federal government is investing $400 million into the project. Across its global operations, ArcelorMittal is committed to a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
“ArcelorMittal’s ambition is to lead the steel industry in decarbonization. The planned investment in Hamilton puts us well on the path to reaching our target to be net zero by 2050,” said Tony Valeri, vice president, corporate affairs at ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
“The investment plan sends a strong signal that Hamilton is a centre of steelmaking excellence and a key part of Canada’s economy.”
Valeri says further research is underway into other clean technologies and materials like hydrogen, biocarbon, and carbon capture utilization and storage. The new direct reduced iron module will be hydrogen ready.
The City of Hamilton’s recently unveiled five-year economic development action plan, in conjunction with its manufacturing strategy, includes supports for companies undertaking decarbonization initiatives, says Jennifer Patterson, manager of business investment and sector development.
“There is a role for Hamilton Economic Development to support companies in this journey. We recognize the future economy is linked to sustainability and a focus on the environment is evident throughout our action plan.”
Another ambitious decarbonization project underway is the Hamilton Container Terminal, a $70-million port and terminal investment at the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority to institute a short-sea service between Hamilton and Montreal.
In 10 years, it’s projected the service will move 580,000 ocean containers and reduce carbon emissions by 500,000 metric tonnes.
To learn more about Hamilton’s advanced manufacturing sector, please visit InvestInHamilton.ca
