Japanese steel manufacturer JFE Bars & Shapes Corporation (JFE BS), a subsidiary of JFE Group, has selected Italian equipment manufacturer Danieli as its technology partner to replace its current DC electric arc furnace. The company will install a new 120-tonne Danieli Digimelter equipped with a Q-One power delivery system at the Mizushima plant, located within West Japan Works' JFE Kurashiki plant.
The new Digimelter is scheduled to enter service in early 2028. Once operational, it will process recycled steel scrap to produce high-quality blanks that will subsequently be rolled into rebar and structural profiles for construction in Japan. and infrastructure sector.
Digimelter will be installed as an existing project, allowing JFE BS to retain significant parts of the existing configuration, such as the electrical cabin and most of the work platform. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the company aims to limit environmental impact, accelerate project completion and reduce overall capital costs.
This investment supports JFE BS's wider efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Replacing the existing furnace is expected to increase productivity, reduce energy consumption and provide more consistent smelting performance. The company says the upgrade will play a direct role in achieving JFE Group's decarbonization goals by opening up opportunities for low-carbon steel production
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