Bremen in the dead end: ArcelorMittal rejects green steel!

Bremen in the dead end: ArcelorMittal rejects green steel!

Bremen, Deutschland - in Bremen there is currently excitement about the steel production of the ArcelorMittal company. As class against class , the company has decided to put its plans for the climate-friendly conversion of steel production on hold. This affects not only the environment, but also the over 8,000 jobs that are directly connected to the workshop in Bremen.

The focus of the discussion is the company's high CO2 emissions. With around 5 million tons of CO2, which ArcelorMittal left in Bremen in 2022, the steel industry is one of the largest causes of greenhouse gases in Germany. Around 30 % of the emissions of the industrial sector are currently in this industry. A desired switch to the production of steel using hydrogen could be introduced with low -emission, but also depend on a massive expansion of renewable energies.

The pioneering decision

The plans provided to produce 3.5 million tons of steel more climate -friendly in Bremen and the partner work Eisenhüttenstadt every year, but Arcelormittal rejected state subsidies of 840 million euros in June 2023. CEO Geert van Poelvoorde justifies this decision with the uncertainty about the future availability of cheap "green" hydrogen and the high electricity prices. The transformation is considered too risky, especially with regard to the company profits.

This situation raises questions: How is it going now? Demands for economic transparency and the formation of company -related action committees become loud to represent the interests of the employees and to prevent salary cuts and job cuts. Possible support could come from IG Metall, which could play a crucial role in coordinating employee interests.

collaboration for a more sustainable future

Despite the decision in Bremen, there is hope: ArcelorMittal has repeatedly signed a declaration of intent to use CO2-reduced steel with the company. Loud ArcelorMittal are to be reduced by CO2 emissions by 35 percent by 2030, whereby even net zero will be sought worldwide by 2050. Repeated to save up to 65 percent CO2 compared to traditional production by obtaining warm -rolled steel, which is made from at least 75 percent recycling scrap.

Here is a first ray of hope: Some end users have already expressed interest in emission -reduced steel. Jochen Grünewald von Arcelormittal emphasizes that tailor -made product development is repeatedly operated, which underlines the commitment of more environmentally friendly production.

a key to the future

In addition to all of these developments, the question of the future of the steel industry is becoming increasingly urgent. Studies show that a successful transformation in the steel industry can not only be ecologically but also economically advantageous. It could strengthen the value creation network and contribute to the technological leadership of German companies. However, it is crucial that all actors are willing to pull together and act in a future -oriented manner.

The current debate about steel production in Bremen once again shows how important it is to secure both jobs and to promote ecological renovation. Will it be possible to find the balance between economic profitability and environmental protection? The coming months will be decisive and it remains to be seen how those responsible will react to the challenges.