Grüner Stahl: „Mut für Deutschland“: Merz und Rehlinger loben grünen Stahl

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz praised the transformation of the German steel industry towards "green steel" during a visit to the Dillinger Hütte in Saarland. He emphasized that maintaining domestic steel production is crucial for Germany's economic stability. Merz noted that Germany can modernize its resource industries to be environmentally friendly and competitive.

Saarland's Minister President Anke Rehlinger (SPD) called the transformation of the Saar steel industry a "model of transformation," stating that Saarland is playing a leadership role. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by replacing carbon energy sources with hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

The transformation in the Saarland is currently on schedule, with first buildings completed and high-rise construction underway in Völklingen and Dillingen, with the inauguration planned for 2028/29. The new facilities in Dillingen and Völklingen aim to reduce carbon emissions by up to 55% by the beginning of the 2030s, from 4.8 million tons per year.

By 2045, Germany aims to achieve full carbon neutrality. The Saarland is also building a hydrogen pipeline connecting Dillingen to the French border and Dillingen to Germany's national hydrogen pipeline network by 2032/2033. However, green hydrogen is currently significantly more expensive than conventional hydrogen produced from natural gas.

Merz highlighted the involvement of the Saar-Holding-Saar (SHS) in the German startup "Y-SIC," which developed a patented method for producing high-purity silicon carbide. This material is mainly needed by the semiconductor industry and is expected to be produced in Dillingen next year, marking another example of how economic transformation is happening despite skepticism.