15/10/2024
Taranto, October 15, 2024 – The reignition of Blast Furnace 1 (AFO1) marks an important milestone in the revival of the Taranto plant, initiating a process aimed at transitioning toward decarbonization and the adoption of electric furnaces. The event, attended by the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and the workers, is a key element of the company’s Restart Plan, which serves as a precursor to a broader Strategic Plan involving significant investments to achieve sustainable and innovative steel production through the adoption of electric furnaces powered by DRI.
The start-up of AFO1, with its increase in production capacity, is essential to the plant's transformation process, which will lead to the eventual shutdown of hot furnaces once electric furnaces are operational. AFO1 will ensure sufficient production during this transition, generating the necessary economic resources to sustain the plant. Additionally, the restart comes with a significant improvement in environmental performance, thanks in part to the installation of a system to reduce NOx, SOx, and dust emissions from the Thermal Power Plant’s chimney. Specifically, the work was completed in line with the adoption of the best available technologies as required by the Restart Plan. These interventions included the restoration of the internal refractory, the tuyere level, and the maintenance of essential auxiliary systems to ensure stable and safe operations.
"The reignition of Blast Furnace 1 is the tangible result of intense teamwork, involving not only Acciaierie d'Italia in Amministrazione Straordinaria and its people but also governmental institutions and all industrial partners," said Giancarlo Quaranta, Extraordinary Commissioner. "The restoration of AFO1 marks the first crucial step towards decarbonization and the implementation of electric furnaces, thanks to significant investments. Reaching this milestone allows us to look to the future of the Taranto plant with confidence, as it once again becomes a key player in the revival of the Italian steel industry, with decarbonization as its goal, along with other ADI plants in EA. Acciaierie d’Italia in Amministrazione Straordinaria will continue working to achieve the ambitious production and environmental goals set forth in the Restart Plan, contributing to the competitiveness of the sector, technological innovation, and the economic growth of the country, primarily benefiting the thousands of people who want to continue working and growing at the Taranto steel plant."
The restart of the blast furnace confirms the commitment of the commissioner’s office and the Italian government in promoting the revival of the plant, ensuring the continuity of the entire company, and strengthening the competitive and strategic position of the Italian steel industry for the benefit of the entire country. This production progress, combined with the implementation of environmental improvement measures, helps enhance the site’s competitiveness on both national and international levels.
Contatti Ufficio stampa esterno - Comin & Partners
Carlotta Calarese - 3516841413 - [email protected]
Vittoria Tomasi - 334 974 8621 - [email protected]
Federico Fabretti, Partner – 3357534768 – [email protected]
