Green steel in Germany: Salzgitter AG defies Arcelor-Litental's step backwards!

Green steel in Germany: Salzgitter AG defies Arcelor-Litental's step backwards!

Salzgitter, Deutschland - In the German steel industry, it is bubbling tremendously. While Salzgitter AG is tirelessly working on its Green Steel project, the world's largest steel producer ArcelorMittal has backed up. As the Weser-Kurier Production methods stopped in Bremen and instead continues to rely on coal and coke. This decision is in stark contrast to the efforts of Salzgitter AG, which will soon start with a direct reduction system in Salzgitter.

The Salcos project (Salzgitter Low Co2 Steelmaking) is not only a lighthouse in green steel production, but also a sign that the transformation is possible. Salzgitter invests over two billion euros, receives support of 700 million euros from the federal government and 300 million euros from Lower Saxony. The state of Lower Saxony also holds 26.1 % of shares at Salzgitter AG and thus has an impact on corporate policy. Political support is also available for the expansion of renewable energies and hydrogen nets in Lower Saxony, even if the state funding at ArcelorMittal is not used.

progress from other manufacturers

as well as the Tagesspiegel , set three German competitors-Thyssenkrupp Steel, Salzgitter AG and that Stahl-Holding-Saar (SHS)-continued their conversion to climate-friendly steel production. Thyssenkrupp is planning the commissioning of his direct reduction system in Duisburg, even if it operates at the moment at the border with economy. Salzgitter, in turn, gradually replaces its three coal -fired blast furnaces by exchanging them with more environmentally friendly alternatives.

The SHS, which includes the Dillinger Hüttenwerke and Saarstahl, has also developed ambitious plans for CO2-reduced production. Arcelormittal, on the other hand, remains in Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt Resisting, despite the possibility of participating in the changeover over 1.3 billion euros in funding. A setback that is considered a warning signal for the entire industry.

The challenges of transformation

But the challenges are as great as the ambitions. According to a report by ZDF , a lack of hydrogen infrastructure prevents the production of green steel. Pipelines and electrolysers are in short supply, which slows down the planned transformation. In addition, companies such as Thyssenkrupp expect annual additional costs of 300 to 400 million euros under the new conditions.

The discussion about Germany's future market position in global competition is intensified. A functioning market for green steel is a prerequisite for competitiveness. Missing binding acceptance assemblies also complicate the situation. Andreas Löschel, an economic expert, is also skeptical and demands clear political framework to enable these changes.

Political support is required from various sides and IG Metall also criticizes the withdrawal of ArcelorMittal as short -sighted, with a crisis summit for the industry. The dream of green steel is fragile, but far from failing. Germany's path to sustainable steel production now needs brave steps and political clarity more than ever.