UK climate change programme : memoranda relating to the inquiry submitted to the Committee / Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee.

  • Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Environment, Transport, and Regional Affairs Committee.
Date:
1999
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: UK climate change programme : memoranda relating to the inquiry submitted to the Committee / Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    UK steel industry energy use per tonne of steel 100 95 90 85 80 =100 76 Energy per tonne Index: 1970 60 55 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 Year Future contribution The sector’s members will continue to examine ways of improving their use of energy, but the process efficiency gains cannot continue at the same rate in the near term as the existing technologies are reaching their limits. Additionally, the primary process for producing volume steels uses carbon in the form of coke as a reductant, and alternative technologies will take considerable time and money to develop commercially. The result is that to obtain step reductions in process emissions of CO, a 2020 timescale is more appropriate. Holistic (lifecycle) approach However steel companies can, and do, play a significant role in CO, reduction by developing, in conjunction with their customers superior steels, that through down-weighting or improved system efficiency, have the potential to produce a net reduction in emissions of global warming gases over the product lifecycle. Examples are the ultra lightweight auto body and lighter beverage cans. The production of such steels requires slightly more energy during their manufacture but allows more efficient use of the steel. The products are therefore less energy intensive to make and use. This technical development emphasises the need to take a lifecycle approach. For example the average weight of a 33 centilitre beverage can has been reduced from 31 grammes in 1983 to 25—a weight saving of 20 per cent. The can therefore uses 20 per cent less steel and consequently the CO, emitted in making the steel for a given quantity of cans is also reduced by 20 per cent. Importance of competitiveness and profitability The sector can only invest in these process and product developments if it remains competitive and profitable. Thus it is imperative that Government avoids policies that add to the sector’s costs putting these developments at risk. Climate change is a global issue requiring global action. The UK’s Kyoto 12.5 per cent reduction target is challenging: it is unclear how the Government’s 20 per cent CO, reduction target is consistent with its desire not to damage competitiveness. Negotiated agreements The sector’s preference is for a negotiated agreement, and we are currently working on the details of an agreement. The sector is ideally stfuctured to formulate an agreement, since a small number of companies’