Statement on DOE Technology Grants
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
For Immediate Release
BETHLEHEM, Pa., February 22, 2001 - In response to media inquiries concerning the recommendation by PennPIRG (Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group) to eliminate federal government-sponsored grants that promote clean energy use and the past receipt of one such grant by Bethlehem Steel, the following information was provided:
Bethlehem Steel received a grant through the U.S. Department of Energy to support its investment in clean coal technology at its Burns Harbor, Ind., Division. The grant was applied to the development of a direct coal injection facility for its blast furnaces that uses coals that otherwise would not be acceptable in the steelmaking process. The technology, installed in late 1994, means that more coal and less coke is used in the blast furnaces, which make iron. Using more coal reduces emissions from coking and increases the energy and production efficiency of the blast furnaces.
Bethlehem is also a member of the EPA�s Climate Wise program, in conjunction with the DOE. The program allows companies and the government to achieve major improvements in energy efficiency and environmental performance. It provides customized assistance through energy and waste assessments, consultation with National Laboratory experts, state and local pilot program resources and workshops that help maximize efficiency.
In 1998, Bethlehem hosted at its Burns Harbor Division the DOE Technology Showcase, which exhibited incremental and ground-breaking technology to improve environmental and energy efficiency. The corporation also received a 1999 Climate Wise Partner Achievement Award for its significant accomplishments in improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution.
Bethlehem supports the federal government�s efforts to invest in emerging technologies that can improve the competitiveness of U.S. industries while ensuring environmental and energy conservation benefits.