ABB to boost India’s steel production at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel
ABB is partnering with SMS group, specialists in plant construction and automation engineering for the metals industry, to provide critical motor and drive components for a new hot strip mill at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel’s Hazira facility in Gujarat, India. This strategic partnership aims to elevate Hazira’s production capacity by an impressive 5.5 million tons per year when the new mill becomes operational in 2025.
Pioneering Technologies to Revolutionize Steel Mill Operations
ABB is set to supply and install 13 medium voltage (MV) drives and 16 large MV motors, forming the drivetrain for the roughing mill and the finishing mill, the two crucial elements of steel production at the hot strip mill. ABB will also furnish 14 low voltage (LV) multidrives line-ups and 256 LV inverters to support auxiliary services. The company’s innovative direct torque control (DTC) technology embedded in the drives ensures rapid and precise response to load changes during rolling operations, thereby optimizing the quality of the finished steel products.
Energy-Efficiency and Carbon-Neutral Goals in Sight
The multi-drives capability of the MV drives will control four motors in parallel, significantly reducing the installation footprint and saving energy. ABB’s gearless drive system for the roughing mill adds to the project’s technical complexity but promises increased reliability and better process control. According to SMS group, this high-profile expansion aims to set the stage for future carbon-neutral steel technology currently being developed by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel.
ABB’s Competitive Edge in India’s Growing Steel Sector
Chris Poynter, Division President for System Drives at ABB Motion, stated, “This project for SMS group and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel is a key reference for ABB in India’s fast-growing metals sector. India is the second-largest producer of crude steel globally, with 120 million tons produced last year. Our unique position as a supplier of both large MV motors and drives allows us to improve energy efficiency, performance, and product quality.” ABB’s specialized commissioning and installation services further strengthen its role in India’s booming metals industry.
As India continues to assert its position in the global steel production arena, ABB’s collaboration with SMS group to modernize ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel’s Hazira facility stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and high-quality steel production.