Revolutionising Steel : Imperial and Tata's Green collaboration

Embarking on a transformative collaboration, innovative methods that would aid in the decarbonisation of steel production, Imperial College London and the Indian multinational Tata Steel have partnered to establish a new GBP 10-million design and manufacturing centre. With the use of innovative steel types, new materials, and steel mixed with other materials, the Center for Innovation in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing is anticipated to facilitate the development of high-performing and sustainable goods in the clean energy and automotive sectors.

Imperial believes that stronger and lighter steel types, as well as steel combined with other materials like composites, could promote the development of sustainable energy production and more reasonably priced, energy-efficient automobiles.

Experts Perspective

'Drawing on Imperial and Tata Steel's combined expertise, this new centre will work to reduce the environmental impact in steel production and in key sectors that use steel, like the clean energy sector, Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) at Imperial College London and co-chair of the Governing Council of the centre' stated in a statement.'To create a zero-pollution future, it's vital that we prioritise systematic transformation of industrial systems. By doing this, the new centre will contribute to the creation of a high tech and economically successful steel industry, both in the UK and across the world,' she added.

In addition, Imperial researchers will be working to develop new technologies to early stages of readiness that will become available for Tata Steel to further develop and commercialise. 'This new Centre is a great example of how Imperial's research can have real-world impact and address a key global challenge,' quoted by Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of Imperial's Faculty of Engineering. 'Innovative manufacturing processes are urgently needed to decarbonise steel production and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable steel industry. By combining Imperial's academic expertise and Tata Steel's valuable insight and experience in this industry, we will maximise the impact of our research to benefit people around the world,' he stated.

'The Centre for Innovation is a part of Tata Steel's larger endeavour to build stronger industry-academia partnerships for driving technological advancement and creating strategic advantages,' stated by T V Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel. 'The centre at Imperial provides a strong academic and research platform with an excellent talent pool. Our goal is to synergise research excellence with industry experience to create cutting-edge technology solutions for a greener future. This initiative reaffirms Tata Steel's unwavering commitment to creating a knowledge-intensive organisation,' he mentioned.

Pledge to Greener future

Imperial observed that, with support from the Transition to Zero Pollution project, it uses research relationships with industry to convert academic expertise into workable solutions to real-world problems, including ecological issues. 

Tata Steel's main objective is to use high-tech manufacturing techniques and high-tech products while expanding its technological capabilities.