Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, CEO and Managing Director of the Danieli Group, recently shed light on the company’s vision for decarbonization and its pivotal role in the steelmaking industry. The interview offered a glimpse into the dual focus of the company and its innovative approach to sustainability.
Giacomo Mareschi Danieli: Danieli Group’s dual role in the steel industry
Danieli Group operates with two primary functions: plant-making and steelmaking. This unique dual perspective allows the company to act both as a supplier and a customer within the steel industry, giving it a comprehensive understanding of the entire value chain. “We design solutions for steelmakers while also producing steel ourselves”, Giacomo Mareschi Danieli explained. This integrated approach positions Danieli as a leader in developing technologies and practices that align with the global push for decarbonization. The company has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. Most of the company’s plant-making facilities are powered by renewable energy, particularly solar panels. Additionally, the steelmaking operations aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. However, the CEO emphasized that the company’s most significant contribution lies in technological innovation. “Our goal isn’t just to be net zero but to design future solutions that benefit the entire industry”, he noted. Through advancements in recycling, automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Danieli is driving sustainable transformation. Two of the company’s ongoing projects exemplify its innovative approach to decarbonization. In Southern California, the company is developing the first mini-mill for long products that is completely solar-powered. Using the proprietary Digital Furnace, this facility will directly harness solar energy for steel production, bypassing the grid and associated costs. In Western Australia, Danieli is working on an integrated project featuring hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) and a mini-mill, promising zero carbon emissions. As confirmed by Giacomo Mareschi Danieli, a similar project in the Netherlands aims to establish the first scrap-based mini-mill with zero carbon output.
Giacomo Mareschi Danieli: addressing challenges in green steel
Giacomo Mareschi Danieli highlighted the need for clarity and standardization in defining “green steel” and “green plants.” He criticized widespread greenwashing and called for unified definitions, ideally established by legislators or industry associations. “Currently, customers, suppliers, and producers have conflicting interests, making it difficult to achieve a shared vision”, he said. A standardized framework would accelerate the industry’s decarbonization efforts and provide transparency. While decarbonization is a long-term goal, Giacomo Mareschi Danieli stressed the importance of balancing financial sustainability with environmental objectives. He also pointed out the industry’s increasing reliance on high-grade iron for DRI and the need for mining investments to enhance material beneficiation. “Technology evolves with necessity”, he observed. As demand for cleaner steel grows, technological solutions will continue to emerge, driving progress in decarbonization and beyond. Giacomo Mareschi Danieli urged the industry to maintain focus on both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. While carbon reduction is critical, he cautioned against neglecting other pollutants and broader sustainability goals. Through its innovative projects and commitment to both technology and practice, Danieli Group exemplifies leadership in the steel industry’s journey toward decarbonization, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
