ArcelorMittal unveiled a new energy recovery and reuse boiler at its East Chicago facility on Monday which recycles waste gas generated through the ironmaking process and uses it to generate electricity to help power the plant.
The US Department of Energy had previously awarded ArcelorMittal USD 31.6 million for the boiler project under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act a sum which the company matched.
According to a statement released on Monday, "The company expects this energy recovery boiler to generate 333,000 megawatt hours of power annually of its own electricity, the equivalent of powering 30,000 American homes per year, and to save the facility nearly USD 20 million in energy costs each year."
Senior Advisor Gil Sperling senior advisor in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy said that "Through investments in energy-saving technologies, such as innovative energy recovery and reuse systems, the Administration is taking steps to strengthen American manufacturing and boosting energy efficiency for businesses across the nation. Cutting edge energy efficiency projects help businesses cut costs, increase efficiency, and create strong, middle class jobs."
An estimated 360 jobs were supported by the design, construction, and manufacturing of the equipment, most significantly the new boiler, which was made in Erie, Pa., by Indeck Keystone Energy.
The statement said that "The project also employed 200 local construction workers at the plant site. In addition, the new boiler makes the Indiana Harbor plant, the largest steel manufacturing facility in North America, more competitive in the global steel market. Indiana Harbor employs approximately 6,000 workers."
US Rep Pete Visclosky, D 1st said that "The 504 Boiler Project at Indiana Harbor is a major step forward for Northwest Indiana jobs. With the new boiler, the facility will improve its internal power generation, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a reliable source of electric power for a lower price. Each of these efficiencies will improve competitiveness, which means good-paying jobs for Northwest Indiana workers."
The statement added that "This project also showcases one of many efforts outlined in President Obama's Executive Order to accelerate and expand industrial energy efficiency with investments that reduce energy use through more efficient manufacturing technologies and processes. This includes the expanded use of efficient, on-site energy recovery systems, as deployed by the ArcelorMittal project."
