5G for sustainable steel | Orange Belgique

ArcelorMittal Belgium plays a central role in the project by providing the infrastructure and expertise necessary for the implementation of 5G technology. This begins with three selected ‘use cases’ that yield knowledge and insights needed for further rollout in a real production environment.

Orange Belgium is the technology partner supplying the 5G infrastructure and responsible for network development. With their experience in rolling out 5G networks and expertise in mobile technologies, Orange Belgium will ensure that the network meets the high demands of the steel industry.

Together, ArcelorMittal Belgium and Orange Belgium are taking an important step towards an innovative and efficient future for steel production.

Projet 5G Connected Steel Towards smarter, safer steel production

About 5G Connected Steel

"5G Connected Steel" is a project aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial processes within ArcelorMittal Belgium by leveraging the benefits of 5G technology.

This project is a significant step in the adoption of Industry 4.0, where wireless connectivity plays a crucial role.

Project goal

The main goal of the project is to explore the possibilities of 5G technology to optimize operational processes within steel production. Through the implementation of 5G, we aim to enhance the reliability and safety of communication between people, machines, and systems, leading to more efficient and safer production.

Timing

The "5G Connected Steel" project started on February 1, 2024, and is expected to conclude on December 31, 2025. During this period, various phases of design, implementation, and testing will be undertaken. After the project phase, the intention is to transition to a commercial phase.

Use cases 5G at ArcelorMittal Belgium

The project includes three key ‘use cases’, each illustrating specific connectivity needs.

These use cases demonstrate how the implementation of 5G technology can help ArcelorMittal Belgium address existing issues and improve efficiency and safety in their production processes.

Challenges

The first use case focuses on improving critical communication between the automatic cranes and the automation infrastructure on the ground. Existing systems often rely on WiFi, facing limitations that result in disruptions, delays, and potential safety risks during the movement of heavy loads.

Solutions

To address these challenges, a 5G network will be implemented to ensure stable and reliable wireless communication between the crane and the operator. This network offers fast response times and high bandwidth, allowing real-time instructions and video feeds to be transmitted efficiently. The cranes can be operated wirelessly and function autonomously, thanks to control systems that are highly sensitive to delays in data transmission.

Advantages
Increased safety: Reliable communication reduces safety risks during crane operation.
Efficiency: Faster and more accurate communication leads to smoother production processes.
Autonomy: Cranes can operate autonomously, reducing the need for constant human supervision.

Why is 5G essential?

With the implementation of 5G Standalone, communication with the overhead cranes becomes not only more reliable but also safer and more efficient, contributing to an improved production environment at ArcelorMittal Belgium.

Challenges

The second use case focuses on the vehicles transporting steel scrap on the ArcelorMittal Belgium site. These vehicles continuously exchange information with traffic management systems and the production process, requiring a highly reliable communication system.

Solutions

The implementation of a 5G network enables stable two-way communication between the scrap vehicles and the infrastructure. This network connects with traffic lights and other signals, allowing the vehicles to operate safely and efficiently. With 5G Standalone, we not only increase productivity but also safety.

Advantages
Improved safety: Reliable communication with traffic lights and other vehicles reduces safety risks.
More efficient transport: Faster and more accurate communication ensures smoother handling of scrap transports.
Automation: The ability for vehicles to communicate automatically with the infrastructure opens the door to further process automation.

Why is 5G essential?

With the implementation of the 5G network, communication between scrap vehicles and the infrastructure becomes not only more reliable but also safer and more efficient, contributing to improved operational efficiency at ArcelorMittal Belgium.

Challenges

Finally, ArcelorMittal Belgium is strongly focusing on sustainability and optimization of transport processes through 5G. The company has already made significant strides, such as transporting liquid crude iron via rail vehicles from the blast furnaces to various production departments. However, this transport is accompanied by heat loss, requiring the metal to be reheated, which consumes additional energy.

Solutions

By providing relevant logistical information to the train driver and monitoring transports remotely, ArcelorMittal Belgium can further optimize this process, minimizing heat loss and reducing energy consumption. The implementation of a 5G network enables the use of real-time video feeds, data exchange, and location tracking.

Advantages
Increased safety: Real-time video feeds help the driver navigate better and identify potential hazards.
Efficiency: Better communication and visibility lead to faster and safer transport processes.
Data analysis: Collection of data that allows for the analysis, optimization, and maintenance planning of rail vehicle performance.

Why is 5G essential?

With the implementation of the 5G network, real-time communication between rail vehicles, infrastructure and logistics systems is becoming more reliable, faster and more accurate. This reduces heat loss, optimises energy consumption and ensures safer, more efficient transport. In this way, 5G contributes directly to more sustainable and efficient production at ArcelorMittal Belgium.

Key stages in the 5G Connected Steel project Design and preparation of the 5G Connected Steel project

Why we do this project?

The implementation of 5G technology is crucial for the future of the steel industry. It offers the opportunity to further automate processes, enhance safety, and improve productivity. These use cases have been selected because they have a direct impact on operational efficiency and safety within ArcelorMittal Belgium and are representative of further rollout to other use cases.

Preparatory steps

Before the project start, extensive studies were conducted to determine the technical requirements and feasibility of the 5G implementation. This included analyzing the current infrastructure and identifying the necessary technologies and partners.

Network design

The network design for “5G Connected Steel” includes a fully local 5G SA (standalone) network specifically developed for the industrial environment of ArcelorMittal Belgium. This network is built to be fully redundant to ensure availability and reliability, focusing on fast response times and high bandwidth. The redundancy is a.o. achieved by using a dual core architecture including a 4G layer, which in time can be upgraded to 5G, and for now provides valuable insights in the differences between 4G and 5G, as well as providing compatibility with some legacy devices.

Collaboration ArcelorMittal Belgium and Orange Belgium in 5G innovation

About ArcelorMittal Belgium

ArcelorMittal Belgium is building a sustainable world with smarter steel types. Steel types that are manufactured using innovative processes that consume less energy and emit significantly less carbon. Steel types used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels.

ArcelorMittal Belgium has locations in Ghent, Liège, Genk, and Geel, employing over 5,000 people. The total direct and indirect employment is estimated at 30,000 jobs.

“Innovation is in our DNA. We are strongly committed to Industry 4.0 as a mindset to build a better world with smarter steel. Steel that is produced using innovative processes that consume less energy and emit significantly less carbon. Steel that is used to produce electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. We have all the assets in place to lead in innovation: highly qualified employees, high-tech facilities, and highly automated processes. Orange Belgium shares the same passion for innovation and sustainability. This unique collaboration in the field of 5G will provide a significant boost to value creation through innovation. A win-win situation for both parties.”
Frederik Van De Velde
CEO ArcelorMittal Belgium

Over Orange Belgium

Orange Belgium is one of the major telecommunication operators on the Belgian market, with revenues of 977.6 million euros, 3.4 million mobile customers and more than 1 million fixed broadband customers on 30 June 2024, and in Luxembourg, via its subsidiary Orange Communications Luxembourg.

Thanks to its own fixed and mobile networks, Orange Belgium offers both residential and business customers fixed and mobile connectivity services and convergent offerings (internet, telephony, television, including original TV content: Be tv, VOOsport, etc.).

As a responsible operator, Orange Belgium invests to reduce its ecological footprint and promote sustainable and inclusive digital practices. Orange Belgium is also a wholesale operator, offering its partners access to its infrastructure as well as a broad portfolio of connectivity and mobility services, including offerings based on Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

“After the country's first standalone 5G architecture network in the Port of Antwerp in 2020, 5G Labs in Antwerp and Liège in 2022, and the implementation of 11 government-funded 5G pilot projects in 2023, Orange Belgium is now strengthening its network leadership by offering a tailored commercial 5G solution to a leading global industrial partner. In line with our 'Lead the Future' strategy, the project is the result of close teamwork between both companies, demonstrating our deep understanding of customer needs and the co-creation of optimal solutions. Finally, it underscores our commitment to a sustainable environment. With 5G, we are helping industries move towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
Xavier Pichon
CEO Orange Belgium