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SEAMLESS DIGITAL INTEGRATION IN STEEL VALUE CHAIN FOR HIGH QUALITY FINAL PRODUCTS (SMARTChain)

Project Summary

The steel industry represents an important economic pillar of the European economy, but also 4% of all EU CO2 emissions. This reduction requires fundamental, rapid and large-scale systemic transformations to fully decarbonise the global steel industry system. Thanks to digital technologies applied in steel production it will be possible to optimise processes, reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of the final products, nonetheless the digital transition is still in progress and technological solutions are still requested to make a better use of industrial data. As acknowledged by the CSP and SRIA, digitalisation is a key enabler for a sustainable and competitive EU Steel Industry. In this framework, SMARTChain aims at improving digitalisation in steel industry to go a step further in process control and optimisation, realising a horizontal integration in the steel value chain, through secure data sharing, promoting the interoperability of systems and tools to aim better quality of final and intermediate products, while optimising energy consumption and consequently reducing CO2 emissions, contributing to the achievement of the EU climate neutrality goal. Thus, the project will focus on the connection between steelmakers and steel users enabling an exchange of information devoted to the optimisation of the quality of final and intermediate products. Finally, steelmaking operators will be involved in the implementation of digital technologies through training programs that will allow to create a workforce that will make advantage of digital transformation. To reach these objectives a digital platforms for steelmakers and steel users will be developed for the data gathering from all the steps of the production process and to connect the quality of final products with material properties. Moreover, an Industrial Data Space and a Digital Material Passport will developed for secure data exchange and to guarantee the traceability of material information.

Objective

Decarbonize the steel industry through digital innovation and optimize processes, reduce energy use, and cut CO2 emissions.

Enable secure data sharing and system interoperability

A key aspect of the project is the development of digital solutions for more efficient data management, enabling secure and reliable information exchange among stakeholders in the steel value chain. Through the creation of an Industrial Data Space, SMARTChain promotes system interoperability, facilitating seamless data flow between steel producers, suppliers, and end users.

Improve product quality and production efficiency

The implementation of advanced digital technologies will allow real-time monitoring of material properties and production conditions, enhancing both intermediate and final product quality. With more precise control and effective data management, defects and material waste can be minimized, while the reliability and competitiveness of European steel products will be significantly improved.

Connect steel producers and users for better data utilization

SMARTChain aims to establish a digital ecosystem where steel manufacturers and end-users can share information in a structured and secure manner. This data exchange will improve the design and production of steel tailored to market needs, optimizing material performance and fostering the adoption of more efficient and sustainable solutions.

Train operators in digital technologies

To ensure a successful digital transformation, the project includes specialized training programs for workers in the steel industry. The goal is to equip personnel with the necessary skills to fully leverage new technologies, enhancing their expertise in using digital tools for process control and optimization.

Develop a platform for data collection and material traceability

One of the key outcomes will be the creation of an advanced digital platform for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data from all stages of the production process. This integrated system, including the Digital Material Passport, will ensure full material traceability, improve product quality, optimize resource usage, and support the transition to a circular economy in the steel industry.

HORIZON-CL4-2024-TWIN-TRANSITION-01

Project number: 101178919

Project acronym: SMARTChain

Project duration: 36 months

Partners: 14

Countries:7

PROJECT COORDINATOR

RINA Consulting - Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A.

Via di Castel Romano 100 - 00128 Rome

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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation Programme under grant agreement n° 101178919.  The sole responsibility for any error or omissions lies with the editor. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Commission. The European Commission is also not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

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