The «Zaporizhstal» Steel Works achieved significant milestones in energy efficiency by significantly reducing natural gas consumption.
In the 1st quarter of 2014, «Zaporizhstal» Steel Works reduced consumption of natural gas for 13.8 million of m3 (or for 18%) as compared with the same period of 2013; the economic effect made up UAH 41.3 million. In the 1st quarter of 2013, 75.4 million m3 of natural gas were consumed, while in the 1st quarter of 2014, this figure was reduced to 61.6 million m3.
The increase of energy efficiency and rational use of energy resources are included in the list of the priority tasks of «Zaporizhstal» Steel Works within the frame of Metinvest’s technological strategy, which foresees the revamping of facilities and energy-efficiency measures.
It is worthwhile to note that the reduction of natural gas consumption by 18% in the 1st quarter of 2014 occurred against the background of a growth in production output by 5% in comparison with the same period of 2013.
According to Rostyslav Shurma, the General Director of «Zaporizhstal» Steel Works, "The situation concerning natural gas supply into Ukraine is so acute that the problem of energy saving and energy efficiency upgrading in metallurgy can be solved only in one way — active investments into modernization and production process engineering."
Following the results of 2013, the Works reduced natural gas consumption by one-third, approximately for 100 million m3 (or for 29%), compared to the same period of 2012 (in 2012, 332 million m3 were used, in 2013 – 236 million m3).
Let’s recall, the energy management system according to ISO 50001 International Standard is in effect at the Works.