professional profile
What is the most exciting project, innovation, or growth strategy that you’re working on at present and what lessons has it taught you? In our line of work, we primarily supply air gases like nitrogen and oxygen to our customers. An innovative focus for us is diversifying how we deliver these gases. Traditionally, we’ve provided them in cylinders, similar to the gas cylinders used for LPG. We also supply our gases in bulk form (which is the liquified state of oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) using road tankers into storage tanks at customer sites. Additionally, we offer the option of constructing either small to medium plants on, or near, the customer’s premises, from which we can supply the gases directly. This approach presents an exciting opportunity, particularly for eligible customers, as it eliminates the need for gas transportation via trucks. By reducing reliance on trucking, we not only decrease our CO2 emissions but also enhance supply reliability. This is especially significant in regions like South Africa, where protests and roadblocks are common, leading to delays in gas deliveries. Having a local plant ensures uninterrupted supply, circumventing logistical challenges associated with road disruptions. It is important to note that this approach isn’t suitable for all customers and depends on factors such as usage volume and other considerations. However, for eligible companies, it can significantly transform their operations, offering a reliable and sustainable solution to their gas supply needs. “We are confronted with numerous challenges, and the most pressing one affecting everyone, whether on a large or small scale, is load shedding. For businesses in industries like steel, ensuring operational continuity amid such uncertain power conditions is key” What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing South Africa’s stainless steel sector at present and how can these be overcome? As South Africans, we are confronted with numerous challenges, and the most pressing one affecting everyone, whether on a large or small scale, is load shedding. For businesses in industries like steel, ensuring operational continuity amid such uncertain power conditions is key. While government has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring sustainable power, businesses also have a role to play. Even small to medium initiatives, such as exploring solar energy options, can make a difference. At Air Liquide, for instance, we have entered into power purchase agreements in partnership with Sasol and various suppliers who will establish solar plants across the country. This
not only contributes to decarbonisation but also helps alleviate the strain caused by load shedding. However, the challenges extend beyond power issues. The sustainability of companies in South Africa, particularly in industries like steel, is crucial. ArcelorMittal, for example, cites factors like production costs and load shedding as threats to its sustainability. To remain competitive, the local manufacturing sector must address these challenges and ensure competitiveness against imports. Why do you feel that stainless steel still has such an important role to play in growing South Africa’s economy? I would like to reiterate the significance of the stainless steel industry, as it is deeply intertwined with various aspects of our society. From construction to medical applications and across all industries, stainless steel plays a vital role. Its collapse would pose a significant challenge for our country. For South Africa to prosper, we rely heavily on steel in our daily lives and economic activities. Moreover, the steel industry is a substantial contributor to our GDP. It sustains livelihoods, enabling people to put food on their tables, access education, and pursue employment opportunities. Stainless steel is an indispensable component of our nation’s prosperity. Preserving and supporting this industry is imperative for the well-being and growth of our country. We must take action to ensure its continued resilience and relevance in our society. What do you consider as the most exciting innovations/product developments happening in stainless steel right now and what sectors hold the greatest potential for the use of stainless steel in the future e.g. aerospace? Personally, a topic that resonates with me is decarbonisation. As a parent, I’m driven by the desire to leave behind a healthy planet for my daughter. Therefore, I am particularly passionate about companies that prioritise this agenda and seek ways to transition towards greener practices, including the concept of green steel. Ensuring that steel production becomes more environmentally friendly while remaining competitive is essential. By embracing green steel initiatives, we not only enhance competitiveness but also contribute to the larger ecosystem of our world. It’s inspiring to witness discussions and actions taking place within the steel industry in South Africa, such as the developments in Saldanha with ArcelorMittal. I’m genuinely excited about the potential impact of these initiatives. They have the power to revolutionise the steel industry and play a significant role in preserving our planet for future generations. I see green steel as not just an industrial advancement but also a crucial step towards environmental sustainability.
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Issue 1– 2024
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