Outside Awards

Kobe Steel won the Grand Prize at the 2011 Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Awards. Hosted by Nikkei Inc., the aim of these awards is to recognize outstanding achievements relating to global environmental issues, based on surveys, research, technical development, monozukuri and other practical initiatives.

As it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure high-grade iron ore in recent years, we developed ITmk3^® to manufacture iron nuggets of the same quality as pig iron from low-grade iron ore and non-coking coal in a short time. ITmk3 has attracted much attention as this groundbreaking ironmaking process effectively harnesses natural resources while also helping to reduce environmental impact. These were the main reasons for receiving this award.

The Steam Grow Heat Pump (SGH) steam supply system developed in conjunction with Kobe Steel, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc., Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. and Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. was presented with the Environment Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activities.

Whereas steam at temperatures of 120˚C or higher could only be supplied by a boiler in the past, we have developed the world's first commercial heat pump system that is capable of efficiently supplying saturated steam at temperatures as high as 175˚C. The award recognized the SGH system's outstanding ability to save energy and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

Our PVD coating for stamping molds for high strength steel was presented with the President's Award by the Sokeizai Center (Materials Process Technology Center). We developed this technology in conjunction with Nippon Koshuha Steel Co., Ltd. and Koshusha All Metal Service Co., Ltd.

With high strength steel increasingly being used in vehicles to make them lighter, this technology helps extend the life span of molds used in stamping. We were given this award in recognition of its advanced performance and usefulness.