We have introduced innovative products such as high-efficiency reheating furnaces and waste heat recovery systems
The government has plans to double the steel capacity by 2030-31. What are the initiatives you are taking in this regard?
Steel is a cornerstone of modern industrial development, playing a crucial role in sectors ranging from construction and industrial machinery to consumer products. As one of the most versatile and strategically important materials, steel supports the economic growth of any nation. India, the world’s second-largest producer of crude steel, produced 125.32 million tonnes of crude steel and 121.29 million tonnes of finished steel in FY23. With production estimated to grow by 4-7% in FY24, India is well-positioned to meet its ambitious goal of doubling steel capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030-31. At John Cockerill, we are fully aligned with the government’s vision and are committed to playing a key role in this transformative journey.To support this vision, we are actively enhancing our technological capabilities and expanding our production infrastructure. Our primary initiatives include collaborating with steel manufacturers to modernise and optimise their existing plants through cutting-edge solutions such as advanced furnaces, and integrated steel plant services. Our Taloja and Hedavali workshops, equipped with high-end machines and a robust safety culture, are pivotal in meeting these demands. Additionally, recent orders, including those from major players like Tata Steel and Jindal Steel, highlight our commitment to supporting India’s growth in steel capacity through our state-of-the-art production facilities.
What are the latest additions to your products and services over the past two years?
In the last two years, John Cockerill India has significantly diversified its product portfolio to cater to the evolving demands of the steel sector. We have introduced innovative products such as high-efficiency reheating furnaces and waste heat recovery systems, which enhance energy efficiency while contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, we have expanded our metals portfolio with the newly created Iron & Steelmaking segment, focusing on upstream offerings like Volteron, which is an advanced technology enabling low-carbon, COâ‚‚-free steel production. This segment also includes Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), and hydrogen-based solutions.
On the service front, our expansion includes sophisticated automation and digitisation services such as AI-driven process optimisation, data analytics, and robotics process automation (RPA). Our workshops, with more than 30 high-end machines and extensive covered space, enable us to provide advanced manufacturing solutions to steelmakers globally, further reinforcing our leadership in sustainable and efficient steelmaking technology.
The Indian steel industry has been impacted by the dumping of steel from China and other Asian countries. Besides imposing anti-dumping duties, what other measures can be implemented to address this challenge?
Besides the imposition of anti-dumping duties, we believe there are several other measures that can be employed to counter steel dumping. One approach is to incentivise innovation and technology upgrades in Indian steel manufacturing. This will enable the industry to produce higher-grade steel products that meet international standards, thus making Indian steel more competitive globally. Encouraging domestic consumption through infrastructure projects and creating strategic trade agreements with other countries to facilitate Indian steel exports can also provide a cushion against dumping practices. Additionally, we advocate for stricter quality controls on imported steel to ensure that only compliant products enter the Indian market.
Your take on waste heat recovery system as a sustainability tool. And your organization’s initiatives on this front
Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) play a crucial role in our sustainability efforts. These systems capture and reuse the heat generated during the steel production process, converting it into energy that can be used to power other processes or be sold back to the grid. This significantly reduces energy consumption and emissions. At John Cockerill India, we have installed WHRS across several of our partner steel plants, leading to a measurable reduction in both energy costs and carbon emissions. This has become a key tool in driving sustainability in our operations and those of our clients.
Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) has emerged as an indispensable technology for the steel sector. How has the installation of this technology benefitted in reducing CO2 emission?
CCUS technology is pivotal in our strategy to reduce CO2 emissions. By capturing and storing carbon dioxide emitted during steel production, we are able to minimize the environmental impact of our operations. Furthermore, the captured CO2 is utilized in various industrial processes, such as enhancing oil recovery or being converted into useful byproducts like chemicals and building materials. The implementation of CCUS technology at our partner plants has resulted in a significant reduction in emissions, contributing to our broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Additionally, John Cockerill is actively participating in the 3D project with ArcelorMittal in France, a pioneering initiative focused on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage in the steel industry. This project aims to capture up to 0.5 million tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually at ArcelorMittal's Dunkirk plant, demonstrating the scalability of CCUS technologies for industrial applications. Our involvement in this innovative project reflects our commitment to developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions for decarbonizing the steel sector globally.
The logistics from the manufacturing plants to the dealers’ warehouse release greenhouse gas emissions. What steps have you taken in your logistics and supply chain to minimize these emissions?
We are aware of the environmental impact of our logistics and supply chain operations, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, we have implemented several measures, including optimizing transportation routes to reduce fuel consumption and collaborating with logistics providers who prioritize sustainability. Additionally, we are transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles in our fleet and exploring the use of rail transport, which has a lower carbon footprint compared to road transport. These steps are aimed at minimizing emissions and making our supply chain more eco-friendly.
What tweaks are required in government policy and regulation to propel the steel sector in India?
To further boost the steel sector in India, we recommend a few critical adjustments to government policy. First, providing incentives for research and development in new steel production technologies, especially those that focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, would greatly enhance the sector’s competitiveness. Second, the government could introduce more stringent environmental regulations and simultaneously support companies investing in clean technologies. Lastly, infrastructure investment should be ramped up to increase domestic steel consumption, thereby reducing reliance on exports and shielding the industry from global price fluctuations.
What are your organization's key growth targets, expansion, export plans and strategies for the next three years?
Over the next three years, John Cockerill India is focused on significantly expanding its operations both domestically and internationally. A key growth target is to strengthen our market position in India by deploying advanced steel production technologies and contributing to the country’s decarbonization and energy transition. To support these goals, we are establishing a new hub in India dedicated to addressing the nation’s major energy and environmental challenges. In addition to expanding our footprint in India, we are also targeting export growth in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia, where the demand for sustainable steel infrastructure is rapidly increasing. Our strategy includes continued investment in R&D, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation, which will help us remain competitive in the global market. Our workshops in Taloja and Hedavali are set to play a key role in supporting this growth through increased capabilities and strategic expansions. John Cockerill is committed to expanding its presence in India, with a particular focus on sectors like steel, hydrogen, and energy. India is an important market for us, not only because of the business opportunities but also due to the shared values and immense talent that we continue to find here. In line with our growth plans, we aim to triple our workforce in the next two years. Furthermore, through strategic partnerships with leading Indian companies – such as our collaboration with Greenko to develop a hydrogen industry – we are contributing to India’s renewable energy goals and helping to build a sustainable future. This combined strategy of expansion, talent growth, and strategic partnerships will ensure that John Cockerill continues to play a vital role in India’s industrial and environmental transformation.
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