Thyssenkrupp reviews plan to wean itself off fossil fuels

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🗞️ Driving the news: Thyssenkrupp is reconsidering its plan to shift steelmaking operations away from fossil fuels due to high costs
• This review is part of a broader assessment of its steel business, which is facing rising operational expenses and difficult market conditions
• Concerns arose after executives highlighted the potential cost overruns for a green steel plant in Duisburg, Germany

🔭 The context: Thyssenkrupp’s steel decarbonization efforts aim for carbon neutrality by 2045, with a €3 billion investment supported by state subsidies
• The company planned to replace natural gas with hydrogen at its Duisburg site, one of the world’s largest industrial decarbonization projects, but rising costs are complicating the transition
• Similar challenges have been seen across industries like shipping, automotive, and biofuels

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The steel industry is one of the largest carbon emitters globally, and its shift toward cleaner production is crucial for achieving global climate goals
• Delays or re-evaluations in green steel projects could hinder the industry’s contribution to reducing emissions

⏭️ What's next: While the hydrogen-powered plant at Duisburg is still planned for 2027, Thyssenkrupp’s review could impact the timeline and costs
• Other steelmakers like Salzgitter and ArcelorMittal are also pursuing decarbonization but face similar cost-related challenges, particularly with hydrogen technology

💬 One quote: “The situation is currently being reviewed based on this information,” – Thyssenkrupp, acknowledging the potential cost hurdles of its green steel initiative

📈 One stat: Thyssenkrupp’s green steel transition involves a €3 billion investment, supported by German state funding

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