Germany – Germany’s Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, unveiled a substantial €2.6 billion funding package aimed at propelling the decarbonization initiatives within Saarland’s historic steel industry.
Once a contentious region due to its abundant coal resources, Saarland witnessed a flourishing heavy industry and steel manufacturing sector during the 19th century. This era saw the establishment of major steel mills and factories that became integral to the region’s economic landscape.
Habeck made the significant funding announcement during his visit to SHS – Stahl-Holding-Saar, the pivotal holding company overseeing Saarland’s steel sector. Stefan Rauber, the chairman of SHS’s management board, lauded this development as transformative, envisioning a remarkable 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
Pure Steel+ initiative
At the core of this endeavor is the “Pure Steel+” initiative, a comprehensive plan outlining strategies for achieving climate neutrality by 2045. The multifaceted approach involves harnessing hydrogen, transitioning to electric steel production, and emphasizing steel scrap recycling.
The initiative aims to kickstart the production of up to 3.5 million tons of green steel annually by 2027/2028, a testament to Saarland’s commitment to sustainable practices. The ultimate aspiration is to facilitate the production of an impressive 4.9 million tons of carbon-reduced steel each year.
Hydrogen is set to play a pivotal role in Saarland’s steel transformation. The initiative strategically integrates hydrogen utilization in the steel production process, promising not only environmental benefits but also a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
Electric steel production, another key component of Pure Steel+, signifies a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable manufacturing practices. Embracing technological advancements, Saarland aims to modernize its steel industry, aligning it with contemporary environmental standards.
