Customer Collaborations - Sustainability.ussteel.com
Partnering with our customers leads to innovative, cost-effective steel solutions that meet their unique needs. Many of these collaborations help our customers reduce emissions and develop sustainable products.
A breakthrough in domestic steel frames
U. S. Steel supplies ZMAG™ coated verdeX® steel to Origami Solar, supporting its mission to revolutionize the solar industry’s approach to photovoltaic (PV) module framing.
Origami Solar’s innovative steel frames replace imported aluminum frames. While solar panel s have steadily improved in efficiency and size, the aluminum frames they rely on have become increasingly problematic due to rising costs, declining strength, foreign supply chain disruptions and aluminum’s carbon-intensive manufacturing process.
Domestically produced steel PV module frames, such as those using steel coils from U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel Works facility, emit 90.4% less GHG when compared to aluminum frames manufactured in China and Asia. The emissions savings realized by switching from aluminum to steel module frames is the equivalent of over 197,000 tons of CO2e per gigawatt (GW) of installed solar modules. With U.S. annual new solar module installations estimated to be at 50 GW per year, transitioning the industry from foreign aluminum to steel would provide emission s savings equivalent to removing nearly 2 million passenger vehicles from the road each year.
By leveraging ZMAG™ coated steel, Origami’s steel frames provide roughly twice the strength of aluminum frames, with at least 25 years of corrosion protection, ensuring longevity in most on-land project locations. Additionally, the self-healing properties and increased scratch resistance of ZMAG™ steel compared to galvanized steel means greater toughness and resilience for solar panel frames.
With this innovation, U. S. Steel and Origami Solar are driving the future of domestic solar industry value, performance and durability — delivering stronger, lower-carbon and more resilient module frames that redefine industry standards.
Origami Solar’s innovative steel frames replace imported aluminum frames. While solar panel s have steadily improved in efficiency and size, the aluminum frames they rely on have become increasingly problematic due to rising costs, declining strength, foreign supply chain disruptions and aluminum’s carbon-intensive manufacturing process.
Domestically produced steel PV module frames, such as those using steel coils from U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel Works facility, emit 90.4% less GHG when compared to aluminum frames manufactured in China and Asia. The emissions savings realized by switching from aluminum to steel module frames is the equivalent of over 197,000 tons of CO2e per gigawatt (GW) of installed solar modules. With U.S. annual new solar module installations estimated to be at 50 GW per year, transitioning the industry from foreign aluminum to steel would provide emission s savings equivalent to removing nearly 2 million passenger vehicles from the road each year.
By leveraging ZMAG™ coated steel, Origami’s steel frames provide roughly twice the strength of aluminum frames, with at least 25 years of corrosion protection, ensuring longevity in most on-land project locations. Additionally, the self-healing properties and increased scratch resistance of ZMAG™ steel compared to galvanized steel means greater toughness and resilience for solar panel frames.
With this innovation, U. S. Steel and Origami Solar are driving the future of domestic solar industry value, performance and durability — delivering stronger, lower-carbon and more resilient module frames that redefine industry standards.
General Motors
U. S. Steel supplies General Motors (GM) with verdeX® steel, its advanced and sustainable steel solution. Manufactured with up to 75% fewer emissions compared to traditional blast furnace production, verdeX® is made with up to 90% recycled content and is endlessly recyclable without degradation.
“This agreement is an example of how we are innovating with our suppliers to create lower-emissions products for our customers. It also highlights how strong supplier relationships can help build a better future.”
– Jeff Morrison, GM Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain
A Big Milestone for Big River Steel
In October 2024, U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel 2 (BR2) achieved first coil — a major milestone for the new, state-of-the-art mini mill. Completed in 2024, the new facility in Osceola, Arkansas, uses advanced technology to expand production of sustainable, advanced, high-strength and electrical steels. Among the expanded offerings will be our verdeX® sustainable steel, which will be widely available to manufacturers to help lower their carbon footprints. BR2 joins the equally advanced Big River Steel, doubling the capacity of our Big River Steel Works facilities.
Global Steel Dynamics Forum
U. S. Steel President and CEO Dave Burritt gave a fire side chat at the Global Steel Dynamics Forum in New York City in June 2024. Burritt discussed the revitalization of a number of U. S. Steel’s legacy assets, and the significant impact of Big River Steel Works, among other topics. He also gave special emphasis to what he says he is most proud of at the Company: the huge strides that have been made in safety, and the growth of a strong Culture of Caring.