Environment Analyst paves the way to sustainability at Tenaris in Italy

With a deep-rooted interest in sustainability, Manuel Mosconi embarked on a journey to make a difference in the world. Armed with an engineering degree in energy from the Politecnico di Milano, he later pursued a master's in renewables and environmental sustainability, cementing his commitment to protecting the environment.

Mosconi's journey with Tenaris began in April 2020, just as the world was grappling with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, his determination to contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions led him to Tenaris’s mill in Dalmine, Italy. According to the worldsteel organization, the steel industry is responsible for around 7% to 9% of carbon emissions in the world, so the challenge was big, and he felt he could make a difference by working on one of the most important steel mills in Europe.

Currently, Mosconi focuses on the environmental impact of the steel mill and the strategy for decarbonization. He diligently handles the accounting of CO₂ emissions and oversees circular economy projects, such as the recovery of iron-rich steelmaking residues and ladle furnace slag management. These feature significant R&D activities as well as implementation in relevant industrial environment. He is also involved in the ambitious project of exploring the feasibility of transitioning from natural gas to the use of green hydrogen, a groundbreaking initiative that requires collaboration with government entities and support from the entire European region.

In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer with Tenaris colleagues and hiking the mountains surrounding the region. As a nature lover, Mosconi is more than aware that the path to decarbonization is “urgently in need of legislative support and subsidies to make such projects economically viable.” And he highlights the importance of considering a broader range of environmental issues beyond just CO₂, such as air emissions and water treatment. He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking with other companies and policymakers to drive the transition towards sustainable steelmaking.

What Mosconi enjoys about Tenaris is the advantage of being part of a global network, connecting with colleagues from various locations, sharing knowledge, and exchanging best practices. This global collaboration is empowering Tenaris to take environmental initiatives further. He appreciates making a tangible impact on the environment, “I really encourage other young engineers to embrace the opportunity to bring about positive change,” he says.

As Tenaris works towards a more sustainable future, Mosconi envisions further investments in technologies, research, and collaborative efforts with policymakers and other companies. "It's not just about us; we cannot solve this alone," he says, highlighting the need for collective action.

Looking ahead, Mosconi aspires to become an even greater environmental expert, focusing on technologies and innovations to create a cleaner, greener future. He is eager to continue working closely with the steelmaking process to deepen his understanding and contribute effectively. As Tenaris continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embrace circular economy projects, Mosconi commitment to creating a greener world is a testament to the power of youthful enthusiasm and collaboration in achieving a sustainable future.