Viraj Profiles decarbonisation journey: recycled stainless steel, solar and wind power, CBAM readiness

latestly.com

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

Viraj Profiles, an Indian stainless steel manufacturer, is reducing its carbon footprint by using 95% recycled scrap in its induction furnaces and installing 130 MW of solar capacity with plans for additional 30 MW solar and 50 MW wind. The company's approach aligns with India's Green Steel Taxonomy and prepares for the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will penalise high-emission steel exports. The article details how Viraj integrates energy efficiency, process optimisation, and renewable power to lower Scope 2 emissions and improve operational productivity. It frames decarbonisation as a business continuity strategy rather than just an ESG checkbox, focusing on scrap-based melting as a lower-carbon route compared to blast furnace methods. For readers tracking industrial decarbonisation, this case study shows how a mid-sized steel producer uses circular material flows and on-site renewables to address both regulatory pressure and market access requirements. The piece is light on specific emissions data and timelines but offers a clear overview of the company's strategy.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

95% scrap input is solid for stainless steel. Induction furnaces are less efficient than EAFs but still beat blast furnace routes on CO2 per ton. Would like to see the actual carbon intensity numbers though.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

130 MW DC solar is decent but 40% of what total load? They mention 70% renewable share target but no timeline. Wind additions are vague too. Need firm PPA details to know if this is real or just ambition.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

CBAM exposure is the real driver here. Indian steel exporters will face tariffs if they dont cut emissions. This piece frames it as strategy but the subtext is compliance pressure from EU buyers.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. The article mentions green steel taxonomy but no mention of carbon credits or offsets. That is interesting. They seem to be leaning on physical decarbonisation rather than buying credits.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Energy efficiency and waste heat recovery are the unsung parts here. Those yield improvements and rejection reduction actually cut emissions per ton more reliably than solar in some cases. Good to see them included.