Future of the Bremen steel mill: Politics demands CO2-reducing measures!

Future of the Bremen steel mill: Politics demands CO2-reducing measures!

Bremen, Deutschland - A fresh wind blows over the Bremen steel industry. The board of the steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal has invited the parliamentary tips of the citizens to discuss the future of the Bremen steel mill. Politics and companies are in a constructive dialogue. Do you have to say that this approach is a positive signal? The SPD parliamentary group calls for a specific future plan for the blast furnaces, while the Greens demand more details on the planned investments in the location. The CDU also wants clarity for the employees in Bremen. The left also call for specific statements on CO2 reduction, criticize the rejection of funding as an insult. It is important for the FDP that politics not only listens, but actively acts.

The invitation from Arcelormittal comes at a crucial time, because the company has major plans for the locations of Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt. ArcelorMittal plans investments between 1 and 1.5 Billions of euros to produce up to 3.5 million tons of steel with green hydrogen by 2030. This could reduce CO2 emissions by more than 5 million tons, depending on the availability of the hydrogen. Reiner Blaschek, CEO of Arcelormittal Flachstahl Germany, emphasizes the relevance of these steps regarding the EU's climate obligations.

investments for the future

In order to produce carbon -neutral steel, Arcelormittal wants to change the technology. A first step will take place this year: Two blast furnaces - one in Bremen and one in Eisenhüttenstadt - are converted to inject natural gas and reduce coal insert in iron or reduction. In the future, hydrogen from electrolysis is to be used in Bremen, provided by the regional network North German Clean Hydrogen Coastline.

In order to achieve the ambitions of the EU-CO2 emissions are to be reduced by 30 percent by 2030 and complete climate neutrality is to be achieved by 2050-a large transformation of the steel industry is necessary. According to a [study] (https:// industrie.de/arbeitswelt/co2-Reduction-steel industrial industrial industries- multi-digit cost-digit millions/) by Roland Berger, the green transformation could cause annual additional costs in the double-digit billion dollar sector. In view of increasing CO2 certificate prices, conventional steel production becomes increasingly unattractive. The pressure on companies grows.

The way to green steel

The steel industry in Europe is currently causing 221 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which makes up 5.7 percent of total EU emissions. In view of these figures, it is clear: trading must be done here! In order to achieve the climate goals, the industry has to produce 29 million tons of climate -friendly annually by 2030. Hydrogen and natural gas-based technologies offer the greatest potential. However, this also means that this transformation cannot be carried out without support from the state side and cooperation partners. Political support and innovation funding are necessary to make the necessary progress.

The conversation between ArcelorMittal and the political factions in Bremen could be the beginning of a decisive change. Anyone who invests cleverly and sets the course could not only create advantages for their own employees, but also for the entire region and their environment. The future of the Bremen steel mill remains exciting and it remains to be hoped that everyone involved has a good hand to master the challenges together.