Salzgitter AG: On the way to green steel until 2033!

Salzgitter AG: On the way to green steel until 2033!

Salzgitter, Deutschland - The topic of steel production in Germany is becoming increasingly pressing. Salzgitter AG shows itself as a pioneer and plans to advance the changeover to green steel with full vigor. Board member Gunnar Groebler reported that the construction of new facilities is well made and that the start of production in Salzgitter will be sought for the first half of 2027. In a world where climate neutrality and technology have to go hand in hand, this is an important step. The plans stipulate that Salzgitter AG produces the steel to 95 percent CO2-free, depending on the right infrastructure and the economic framework. To do this, focus on the use of green hydrogen, which is obtained from water using wind and solar energy, as reported by the taz

A striking point in this project is the planned production route, which is intended to use “green” hydrogen in terms of perspective. This technology is funded by the Windh2 project and many partners, including Salzgitter Flachstahl and Sunfire, which are involved in the Grinhy2.0 project. This lighthouse project pursues the goal of further developing electrolysis technologies worldwide and significantly increasing the efficiency of hydrogen production. The high-temperature electrolyser, which is used in this project, works with an operating temperature of 850 ° C and achieves an electrical efficiency of 84 %tablespoon, LHV with an energy requirement of around 39.7 kWh/kg H2, such as circular Technology emphasizes.

The pressure on industry

The steel and iron industry, which contributes significantly to the emission of greenhouse gases, faces enormous pressure. Around 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany come from industry, with steel production causing over 200 million tons of CO₂ equivalents annually. However, there is hope: Companies like Thyssenkrupp are already on course to use hydrogen instead of coal in their coal, which would enable massive savings in CO₂ emissions BDEW.

Salzgitter AG is also supported in Lower Saxony by funding of almost one billion euros, which facilitates the way to green steel production. Another 1.4 billion euros come from the company's own cash registers. In the course of this, the need for green hydrogen is an important point: Salzgitter AG will be at least partially dependent on hydrogen supplied. Current studies show that sufficient amounts of potential suppliers could be guaranteed.

an uncertain future

But there are also uncertainties. For the time being, ArcelorMittal does not plan any climate -neutral steel production in its Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt works and dispenses with subsidies of 1.3 billion euros. The future of Thyssenkrupp's blast furnaces also remains uncertain. For the success of climate-neutral steel production in Germany, competitive industrial electricity prices and the introduction of protective tariffs against cheap steel from China must also be considered. These measures could significantly improve the prerequisites for the successful production of green steel.

The next few years will play a crucial role in the race for decarbonizing the steel industry. The industrial -heavy companies that create the transition to renewable technologies will have a decisive advantage in the new climate world. In this sense, a look at the developments in Salzgitter and beyond.