SUSTAIN Conference 2024
The 2024 SUSTAIN Conference, held at Swansea University's Bay Campus in July, brought together over 110 representatives from academia, industry, NGOs, and supply chain partners to explore the latest innovations in the UK steel sector. This three-day event marked the largest in-person gathering hosted by the Hub to date, aimed at raising awareness of ongoing research and fostering collaboration across the industry.
Day 1 Technical Highlights: Carbon Cycle and Thermal Efficiency
The conference opened with a session on "The Carbon Cycle" exploring carbon sources in steelmaking and innovative methods for carbon capture and conversion. Following this, the "Thermal Efficiency" session examined the potential for harnessing waste heat for both commercial and domestic applications.
Day 2 Technical Highlights: Iron Cycle and Sustainable Product Metallurgy
Day two began with a focus on "The Iron Cycle," emphasising the importance of understanding the quality and composition of domestic scrap steel. Later on, the "Sustainable Product Metallurgy" session delved into developing robust processes and products that support circularity and decarbonisation.
Day 3 Technical Highlights: Sensor Technologies and Digitalisation
The final day featured discussions on "Sensor Technologies," highlighting real-time product quality evaluation and process optimisation. The "Digitalisation in Steelmaking" panel addressed the integration of AI, machine learning, blockchain, and digital twins to enhance decision-making.
Workshops and Additional Activities
Complementing the technical sessions, the conference hosted various workshops and activities. The Sandpit workshop facilitated connections between prospective applicants and industrial experts, while a session on "The Role of Culture in Research Environments" offered insights into fostering positive workplace cultures.
The "Skills for 21st Century Steelmaking" panel discussed engaging young talent and the diverse skills needed for modern steelmaking. Additionally, the UK Sustainable Metals Network forum celebrated the breadth of UK metallurgy and discussed the future of sustainable metallurgy in a decarbonised world.
The 2024 SUSTAIN Conference underscored the significant transformations within the steel industry, emphasising the UK's potential as a technological leader in net-zero steel production. Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, highlighted the industry's challenges and opportunities in his closing keynote.
The event provided a vital platform for the UK steel research community to share knowledge, foster collaborations, and drive forward the agenda of sustainability and decarbonisation. Recordings and slides from the sessions will soon be available on our website. For regular updates, follow us on X or LinkedIn, or sign up for our Newsletter.
