Press release dated 27 September 2012

Energy efficiency: also a priority in India

A delegation from India visits Deutsche Edelstahlwerke in Witten

On Tuesday, Deutsche Edelstahlwerke welcomed 13 business representatives from India who were on a fact-finding mission to see energy-efficient technologies in use based on the example of a steelworks. The event was part of a week-long trip to Germany organized by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

Participants included leaders from the Indian textile industry, energy providers, as well as consultants and representatives from associations with an emphasis on energy efficiency. This issue has become the focus of increasing attention in India in recent years. From the end of 2012, companies in energy-intensive industries there are obliged to reduce their energy consumption in a sustainable way.

"By international comparison, Germany is right out there in front when it comes to energy efficiency and environmental technologies. I am delighted that the Chamber of Commerce chose us as a positive example and that we were also able to make a contribution to tackling climate change globally by exchanging ideas with participants," explains Max Heumann who is Head of Plant Technology and responsible for energy efficiency at Deutsche Edelstahlwerke.

In a half-hour presentation, he outlined to the visitors how the Climate and Environmental Protection department has been initiating and implementing energy efficiency projects since 2008, as well as getting all the company's staff involved. He cited some specific examples of projects that were also demonstrated to the visitors on a guided tour of the site. This included technical improvements made to the rotating hearth furnace in the rolling mill, which has allowed the system's electricity consumption to be significantly reduced.

"This trip, which has a multiplier effect, is part of the energy efficiency export initiative set up by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The aim is to raise awareness in emerging economies of products and technologies made in Germany and to build networks in certain fields which – either directly or indirectly – can ultimately boost German exports," explains Sabrina Lopp representing the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. Prior to visiting Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, the group had already been to the EnergyAgency NRW (service provider to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in all matters relating to energy) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology.

Contact

Deutsche Edelstahlwerke GmbH

Melanie Biskup (Press and Public Relations)

Auestr. 4, 58452 Witten, Germany

Phone: +49 (0)2302 292 216

Fax: +49 (0)2302 294 978

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