Stahlwerk Eisenhüttenstadt: Dekarbonization stopped for the time being!
Stahlwerk Eisenhüttenstadt: Dekarbonization stopped for the time being!
In a surprising turn, ArcelorMittal decided to put the planned construction work for electric stoves in the Eisenhüttenstadt and Bremen steelworks for the time being. The reason for this is the tense market situation and the still lack of economy of CO2-reduced steel production. The original goal of realizing climate -neutral steel production in Eisenhüttenstadt by 2050 was less than 25 years away, and the gap between ambitious goals and reality is now painfully clear. rbb24 reports that the energy transition is slower than expected and green hydrogen is currently not viable.
The planned changeover to a production based on natural gas as a temporary solution has also turned out to be not competitive. While the federal government generously provided 1.3 billion euros in funding for the transformation for climate -friendly steel production, the necessary investments of around 2.5 billion euros initially take a forced break. A contractually agreed start of construction by June 2025 is therefore not met. Brandenburg's Minister of Economic Affairs Daniel Keller is now looking for a conversation with ArcelorMittal, the works council and other affected actors to secure the future of the traditional steelworks in Eisenhüttenstadt, which has existed since 1951
historical dimension and future prospects
Steel production in Eisenhüttenstadt has a long history that goes back to 1951. The former ironworks combine East (EKO) once flourished with up to 16,000 employees in the 1960s. Around 2,700 employees are currently still working there. The concerns about the jobs and the future of the region are therefore tangible. More than ever, the dialogue between the different interest groups is now required to find solutions and perspectives for the employees.
The Arcelormittal company has set ambitious goals for decarbonization. In a comprehensive approach to climate-neutral steel production in Europe by 2050, the strategy provides for the reduction of CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. In addition, a certification system for green steel was developed, and the production of 600,000 tons of green steel was planned by 2022. ArcelorMittal Informed about various approaches, including the use of smart carbon technologies and hydrogen in steel production. Projects such as H2H in Hamburg, which relies on a direct reduction system for iron sponge, are in focus.
innovation and flexibility in steel production
The steel industry is in transition and innovative technologies could help master change. An interesting concept comes from the SMS Group with its Easymelt process. This procedure represents a flexible and less capital-intensive alternative to conventional blast furnace processes. It enables considerable CO2 emission savings and could be an answer to the challenges of time. SMS Group how such innovative approaches can help to pave the way to CO2-neutral steel production.
The situation in Eisenhüttenstadt is an example that shows how important it is to develop innovative solutions and strategies in order to lead the industry into a sustainable future. All actors are required here to work together and to set the course for a positive development.
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| Ort | Eisenhüttenstadt, Deutschland |
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