Recently, the Beijing Association for Science and Technology announced the 2024 list of its Excellent Young Engineers Program at the Second Zhongguancun Excellent Engineer Development Forum. Among those selected is Dong Wenliang, Chief Engineer of Metallurgy at the Jingtang Technical Center of the Shougang Research Institute of Technology.

Serving as chief engineer in metallurgy at the center, Dr. Dong Wenliang exemplifies the dedication and innovation expected of a leading scientist through his unwavering commitment to research and frontline production. A key contributor to two national key research and development projects, his research has won two Hebei Provincial Metallurgical Science and Technology Awards and 15 Shougang Science and Technology Awards, in addition to over 30 authorized invention patents. He has published over ten papers as the first author in leading metallurgical journals and received various honors, including the title of “Shougang Youth Innovation Pioneer”.

Guided by technological innovation, Shougang Group is committed to implementing China’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals. Shougang Group keeps forging a unique path toward carbon emission reduction through the synergistic innovation of process flows and equipment technologies. In defiance of the industry’s complex challenges, the high-efficiency, low-carbon steelmaking team led by Dong Wenliang has achieved significant breakthroughs in low-carbon steelmaking, high-quality steel production, solid metallurgical waste reduction, and waste utilization. Dr. Dong and his team, remaining problem-oriented, have developed a highly efficient, low-carbon, and low-cost reheating technology. Their low-carbon smelting process achieved the first-ever production of high-quality automotive steel through continuous casting with a 50% scrap steel ratio in the converter. Dr. Dong and his team showed exceptional efficiency and innovation in the utilization of carbon dioxide by successfully applying recycled carbon dioxide from waste flue gas to converter smelting. By focusing on the reaction mechanism, they significantly improved carbon dioxide utilization and improved metallurgical indicators and carbon dioxide consumption, strongly supporting Shougang’s green production of high-quality steel. Furthermore, his team developed a synergistic control technology for reducing steel slag at the source and promoting slag utilization in steelmaking processes. This has reduced steel slag by over 20%, solving a common problem of the industry that steel slag is difficult to be recycled efficiently in thermal circulation.

Devoted to research with a global vision. The selection of Dong Wenliang is not only a testament to his capabilities but also a strong affirmation of Shougang Group’s R&D system featuring “one institute and multiple centers” in fostering the rapid growth of young researchers. Dr. Dong expressed his commitment to adhering to the spirit of innovation, continuously overcoming technological challenges, and making contributions to the high-quality development of the capital city in the new era. He also expects the platform will engage more exceptional young engineers, foster innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to the green development of both Shougang and the broader steel industry.

The selection for the Beijing Excellent Engineers Development Program is held annually to identify, cultivate, and recognize outstanding young scientific leaders and technical experts, thus building a reserve of excellent future engineering talent. This year’s selection focused on Beijing’s “2-4-4-1” high-end and cutting-edge industrial system, targeting candidates from fields such as next-generation information technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, integrated circuits, intelligent connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing and equipment, and green energy and environmental protection.