U. S. Steel Plans Carbon Alloy Synthesis, Co-Gen Facilities in Alabama
04/21/2008 - United States Steel files permit applications for construction of a new carbon alloy synthesis facility and cogeneration facility that has the potential to provide an environment-friendly, energy-efficient alternative carbon source for its Fairfield Works.
United States Steel has filed permit applications for construction of a new carbon alloy synthesis facility and a cogeneration facility in Port of Epes in Sumter County, Ala.
The proposed facility would utilize state-of-the-art technology supplied by Carbonyx, Inc. to process coal into Cokonyx(TM) carbon alloy material, which is said to have the potential to displace traditionally manufactured coke in the steelmaking process.
“The future of steelmaking requires new thinking and the use of breakthrough technologies in order to operate in cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways,” said U. S. Steel Chairman and CEO John P. Surma. “By partnering with Carbonyx, Inc., U. S. Steel is demonstrating its willingness to utilize innovative technologies as alternatives to traditional coke making that will still result in a high-quality carbon source for our Fairfield Works and ensure consistent environmental performance and compliance.”
The Carbonyx process employs technology that results in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption when compared to a traditional cokemaking facility or other commercial non-recovery processes. Gases created during the process would be utilized in the proposed cogeneration facility.
Completion of the project is expected to take an estimated 18 months after the permitting process is concluded. If approved, U. S. Steel will invest more than $150 million in the facility, which would ultimately produce 250,000 tons of Cokonyx carbon alloy material per year. U. S. Steel said that it would use all of the Cokonyx carbon alloy material produced at the proposed facility at its Fairfield Works.
After the facility has attained full production and adequate product testing has occurred, the project may then move into further phases subject to business conditions. Upon completion of all phases over a number of years, 235 full-time positions will have been created and $450 million will have been invested in the project.
U. S. Steel said it will work with appropriate agencies and stakeholders to complete the permitting process for the initial project phase, which the company hopes to conclude later this year. The decision to proceed following receipt of the necessary permits will depend upon permitting, business conditions and approval of U. S. Steel's Board of Directors.
“We look forward to working cooperatively with Gov. Bob Riley, the federal, state and local elected officials representing Alabama's historic agricultural Black Belt, and other stakeholders involved in this important project,” concluded Surma.
U. S. Steel's operations in Alabama date back one hundred years to the company's acquisition of the former Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Co. on Nov. 1, 1907. Today, the company operates two facilities in Fairfield: Fairfield Works, which is the largest steelmaking facility in Alabama and has an annual raw steelmaking capability of 2.4 million net tons, and Fairfield Tubular Operations, a seamless pipe mill that produces tubular products primarily for the energy industry. U. S. Steel also manages and develops various real estate assets in Alabama through its USS Real Estate division.
