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Salzgitter AG defies setback: Green Steel remains on course!
Salzgitter AG relies on green steel and hydrogen technology, despite setbacks. The renovation is scheduled to be completed by 2033.
Salzgitter AG defies setback: Green Steel remains on course!
Salzgitter AG is writing an exciting chapter in steel production: Despite the rejection of the large company ArcelorMittal for conversion projects in Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt, we are moving forward into the green future. Loud Day24 Salzgitter AG is determined to implement its plans for the production of green steel without interruption. The renovation has been underway since the end of 2023 and is progressing according to plan. The company is investing over two billion euros, of which one billion euros is supported by the federal and state governments.
The first step in this transformation process involves gradually replacing the coal-fired blast furnaces with modern systems that initially run on natural gas and later on green hydrogen. Salzgitter AG's ambitious plans include switching all production to green steel by 2033. This innovative orientation is not only ecologically important, but also an economic necessity, as Germany receives around 20% of its greenhouse gas emissions from industry, especially from the steel and iron sector, which currently still works with coal BDEW.
Hydrogen as a key technology
A central element of this transition is the development of a hydrogen economy. The need for competitive electricity prices is enormous so that the production of green hydrogen remains economically viable. Salzgitter AG plans to continue investing in innovative technologies to use hydrogen as an alternative energy source for its blast furnaces, similar to the optimistic approaches of Thyssenkrupp, which is also working to integrate hydrogen into its production processes.
Another example of ongoing change is the WindH2 project that Salzgitter launched. Hydrogen is produced using wind energy and a PEM electrolyzer. Such projects are necessary to achieve ambitious CO₂ savings targets and to develop sustainable solutions for industry.
Urban development and CO₂ reduction
Back to the urban level: In Frankfurt, particular attention is paid to the CO₂ balance of the bridges. Significant CO₂ emissions arise due to infrastructure projects, and this is where the innovative use of almost CO₂-neutrally produced steel comes into play Old new territory reported. The goal is to reduce the CO₂ emissions from bridges by an impressive 75% by 2050. The Frankfurt bridges are intended to become a showcase for climate-friendly construction methods and include measures such as the use of low-CO2 concrete and the use of renewable energies.
These measures not only make the city more environmentally conscious, but also tap the great potential for saving CO₂ - in line with the trend of relying on climate-friendly materials and drive technologies in the construction industry.
The development in Salzgitter and Frankfurt shows that the restructuring in the steel sector and the construction industry are closely linked and that innovative solutions for a greener future are finding their way into the heart of the cities. The signs are pointing to change, and it remains to be seen how big an impact these initiatives will have in the coming years.