Indonesian steelmaker to offer zero carbon hot rolled coil

GRP will integrate Primetals Technologies' Arvedi ESP concept, a revolutionary technology that directly links casting and rolling processes operating in endless mode and allowing the production of thin and ultra-thin gauges well below 1 millimetre in thickness, largely replacing cold rolled coil steel in Indonesia. As part of its transition programme, GRP will implement electric arc furnace (EAF)-based steelmaking.

According to Primetals Technologies, Arvedi ESP endless strip production technology is the first-ever solution developed for the production of steel rolled products that eliminates the use of fossil fuels, reducing the direct greenhouse gas emissions to zero. Production will begin before 2027, advancing GRP's plans to double its current production from 1.3Mt to 2.5Mt of low carbon steel, over 50% of which will be traded into the European Union (EU). Primetals Technologies' scope covers the supply of the full technological equipment including a high-speed caster and a 3 plus 5 stands rolling mill, as well the full package of electric and automation solutions to complete the ESP plant configuration.

The deal cements GRP’s status in the region as a first mover in low carbon steel and its competitive advantage for exporting into the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) regime. It also forms the company's latest milestone in its industry-leading Project Green Dragon initiative.

“GRP is setting a new standard for sustainable steel production and capturing the growing green premiums in the market. Through GRP’s partnership with Primetals Technologies, we are investing in the global competitiveness of the Indonesian steel industry to help safeguard its future, while building on the Indonesian Government’s efforts to sustainably scale this critical industry and reach net zero by 2060,” says Kimin Tanoto, GRP executive chairman. “GRP is the only steelmaker in our region brave enough to adopt a technology this advanced in the interests of Asia’s net zero future, and to compete in the world's emerging carbon trading regimes.”

The Arvedi ESP plant’s capability to produce high-quality, ultra-thin HRCs of superior quality and improved homogeneity surpasses all other technologies available on today’s market, says Primetals Technologies. The environmental benefits of the technology include zero CO₂ direct emissions, reduced energy consumption, and the elimination of cold rolling and annealing downstream processes, which are driving real-world emission reductions in the global steel industry.

The operational efficiencies achieved through Arvedi ESP’s use of advanced digital solutions for plant automation, including AI learning tools, demonstrate how the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing steel production at plants like GRP’s and bringing new levels of innovation to the Asia region.

“Our team is just excited to partner with GRP in materializing the most advanced project in Asia in terms of green steel ambitions. The Arvedi ESP line at GRP will be the 13th Primetals Technologies plant in the world applying the reliable and yet revolutionary concept of endless casting and rolling, and we recognize GRP for being the first producer in Asia, out of China, to embrace it”, says Andreas Viehboeck, executive vice president and head of global business unit upstream at Primetals Technologies. “Compared to other available technologies, the Arvedi ESP technology ensures higher energy savings and superior material yield and product quality, while guaranteeing the absence of any fossil fuel usage. This will allow GRP to stand out and excel on both Indonesian and international markets, enabling them to also enter into high added value quality product niches, including automotive applications”.

“Our adoption of Primetals Technologies’ Arvedi ESP technology means, practically overnight, GRP has leapfrogged from its status as a well-known raw commodity manufacturer to high-end steel product producer – no other steelmaker in the world has successfully executed a category shift as swiftly as this. GRP’s integration of the new ESP plant will not only help uplift the skills of Indonesia’s homegrown talent but also unlock a whole range of higher quality steel products for the domestic and international market,” says Kelvin Fu, GRP’s chief transformation officer. “This strategic investment will not only boost production capacity to meet surging global demand but also introduce cutting-edge technologies that minimize environmental impact."