NOVEMBER 20248GEAPP TO BUILD INDIA'S FIRST GREEN ENERGY CORRIDORTATA STEEL LOOKING TO CUT CARBON EMISSIONS BY 90 PERCENT WITH NEWEST ARC FURNACEThe Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to develop a 450-500 MW solar park along the Tata Steel has announced a significant contract with Italy-headquartered Tenova, a metals technology multinational, to deliver a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) as part of its green steelmaking initiative in the UK. This pact, signed last week for the Port Talbot site in Wales--recognized as the UK's largest steelworks--marks a crucial step towards achieving a 90 percent reduction in Bundelkhand Expressway, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,800 crore. This project is notable as it represents the first initiative of its kind in India, aiming to create a green energy corridor along the 296 km expressway and serve as a model for scalable solar infrastructure in the region.Following a comprehensive feasibility study, GEAPP identified the potential for solar power installations of up to 450 MW along designated land areas of 15-20 meters on both sides of the expressway. The solar park will utilize approximately 1,700 hectares of available land and operate under a Build-Own-Operate model, with a total project tenure extendable up to 25 years from the start of commercial operations. This approach reflects a commitment to long-term economic and environmental sustainability.The project will proceed through a single-stage bidding process, where bidders will be evaluated based on their proposed revenue share with UPEIDA. An Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued by UPEIDA on October 8, inviting global bids for the initiative.The initiative is part of a broader strategy to harness the renewable energy potential of India's 6,000 km expressway network, with the Bundelkhand Solar Highway project alone expected to unlock an impressive 10 GW of renewable energy. carbon emissions per year once the EAF is operational at the end of 2027.As part of the agreement, Tenova will supply an EAF with an annual capacity of 3 million tonnes of steel, matching the output of the recently decommissioned blast furnaces at the site. The EAF will utilize scrap steel sourced from the UK.UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds commented on the partnership, noting that it exemplifies the government's commitment to revitalizing the UK steel industry. He emphasized that technology like Tenova's furnaces is vital for decarbonizing the steel sector, fostering skilled jobs, and ensuring economic stability for future generations of steelworkers in South Wales. This agreement follows a joint investment of GBP 1.25 billion confirmed by Tata Steel and the British government, with Tata Steel contributing GBP 750 million and the government up to GBP 500 million. Tata Steel's CEO and Managing Director, T V Narendran, highlighted that this landmark agreement will transform the steelmaking site, supporting the UK's decarbonization journey while providing economic development opportunities in South Wales. He affirmed that this initiative is a significant milestone in making low-CO steelmaking a reality in Port Talbot, thereby aiding the UK in meeting its carbon reduction targets and assisting customers in achieving their sustainability goals. TOP STORIES
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