Wasserstoff statt Kohle: Start einer Produktionsanlage für Grünstahl verzögert sich

Deutsche Stahlgigant Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe (TKSE) will not inaugurate its billion-euro green steel production facility until 2029, two years later than originally planned. According to an EU Commission document, the delay stems from the project's engineering phase, a statement confirmed by a TKSE spokesperson. The company anticipates that the plant's operation will closely follow market developments and hydrogen availability.

This green steel project costs around three billion euros, with state subsidies covering up to two billion euros - two thirds from the federal government and one third from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Construction began at the end of 2024, focusing on a direct reduction plant that uses hydrogen produced from renewable energy instead of coal.

The plant represents a modern alternative to traditional blast furnaces. The German steel subsidiary recently reported relaxed subsidy rules, allowing more natural gas to be mixed into the hydrogen used for production. While this reduces CO2 emissions compared to conventional blast furnace routes, it technically contradicts the concept of green steel.

However, natural gas blending is deemed acceptable for a transitional period. In terms of CO2 emissions, the process is said to be more than halved compared to conventional blast furnace production. Both politics and parts of the German industry are betting heavily on green steel to advance climate protection. However, the development of the green steel market lags behind expectations, as Thyssenkrupp Steel notes production capacities, transport lines, and import routes are not yet available in sufficient quantities.

Additionally, green hydrogen is significantly more expensive than initially anticipated and is not yet available at competitive prices, which is hindering progress in this more sustainable type of steel production. When asked about the current status of the project, a TKSE spokesperson said that construction of the green steel plant's tower is underway, foundations for the two fusioners are being dug, and several switchgear rooms have been completed.