Steel production facilities in East Chicago and Burns Harbor helped ArcelorMittal win a national award for its energy management efforts and commitment to energy efficiency.
For the fifth consecutive year, ArcelorMittal USA earned an award through the Energy Star program. This year, it received the Sustained Excellence designation.
The company said it has reduced energy costs by more than $151 million since 2006. In 2011, the company's U.S. operations achieved energy intensity reductions of more than $20 million, which could obtain enough to power more than 66,000 homes.
The installation of 21 motors at ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor's hot dip coating line controlled by variable frequency drive is helping the company save about $87,000 per month on electrical and maintenance costs. The company also touted a project at its hot strip mill that achieved an electrical cost savings of $60,000 per month from taking descaling pumps out of operation.
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The installation of dilute oxygen combustion technology on three reheat furnaces at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor has helped save nearly $160,000 per month. Increasing internal power generation by reducing the flaring of blast furnace gases and rebuilds of generators has saved more than $255,000 per month in purchased electricity.
Two years ago, the company started an inspection and repair program to reduce its steam efficiencies at its Burns Harbor and Indiana Harbor operations. The program has helped earn savings of $150,000 per month. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy operate the 20-year-old Energy Star program, which is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy-efficient products and practices.
"Each day our employees focus on producing safe, sustainable steel and energy efficiency plays a critical role in this effort," said Mike Rippey, president and CEO of ArcelorMittal's U.S. operations USA, in a statement.
"ArcelorMittal is honored to have been recognized for the past five years as the distinction truly exemplifies our commitment to leadership and sustainability," he said. "We will continue to focus on reducing energy intensity while increasing operational excellence to ensure our facilities are more competitive and maintain a cost leadership position."
ArcelorMittal produces about 8 percent of the world's steel output and is the world's largest steelmaker.
