SAIL and ABB India Forge Strategic Alliance to Deploy Digital Twin Technology at Rourkela Steel Plant

Mumbai, 23 May 2025 – In a landmark move to enhance process optimisation, operational efficiency, and sustainability, ABB India Limited (NSE: ABB | BSE: 500002) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). This collaboration will focus on the deployment of advanced digital twin technology at the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in Odisha.

Driving Digital Transformation in Steelmaking

As part of this agreement, ABB India will develop and implement data-driven digital twins for the blast furnaces and basic oxygen furnaces at RSP’s steel melt shop. These virtual models will harness real-time operational data combined with sophisticated mathematical algorithms to simulate, monitor, and fine-tune the complex ironmaking and steelmaking processes.

This strategic initiative aligns with SAIL’s ambitious vision to nearly double RSP’s current production capacity—from 4.08 million tonnes of saleable steel to approximately 9 million tonnes by 2030. It also addresses core industry challenges such as cost control, adherence to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and the pursuit of continuous productivity enhancements.

“This partnership with ABB India marks a pivotal step in our journey to modernise our steelmaking infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on improving efficiency and driving sustainability,” stated Biswa Ranjan Palai, Executive Director (Works), SAIL.

ABB India’s Commitment to Innovation

ABB will bring to the project its extensive expertise in automation and digitalisation of industrial processes. The digital twin solutions provided by ABB will be designed to enable data-based decision-making in real time—facilitating longer asset life cycles, better product quality, and a reduced environmental footprint.

“By integrating advanced, data-centric models and employing digital twin technologies, we are aiming to transform traditional steel production into a smarter, more sustainable process,” said Kapil Agarwal, Senior Vice President & Local Division Manager, Process Industries, ABB India.

This collaboration underscores ABB’s commitment to supporting India’s industrial advancement. It is also significant as it coincides with ABB’s 75th anniversary in India, reinforcing the company’s longstanding contributions to core sectors such as metals, cement, and energy through cutting-edge automation and electrification solutions.

Outlook for India’s Steel Sector

India’s steel industry is poised for robust growth, with domestic demand projected to increase by 9–10% in FY25. Over the long term, the sector is expected to maintain strong momentum, with annual growth estimated between 5% and 7.3%. As the industry moves toward global standards, digital transformation remains a critical enabler for competitiveness and sustainable growth.

About the Companies

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

SAIL is among India’s largest steel producers and a cornerstone of the country’s industrial ecosystem. The Rourkela Steel Plant, inaugurated in 1959, was India’s first integrated steel facility in the public sector. It has since evolved into a hub for high-quality, value-added steel products, including those used in defence applications.

ABB India Ltd

Part of the global ABB Group, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, ABB India is a leader in electrification and automation. With a presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of approximately 110,000, ABB’s Process Automation division alone employs 20,000 professionals dedicated to enabling cleaner, smarter, and more efficient operations across industries.

This partnership represents a technological leap for RSP and a significant stride in India’s industrial digitalisation journey.

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REF: https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/corporate/ABB_22052025110425_ABBPressReleaseMay2025.pdf