thyssenkrupp CEO Miguel López emphasizes the need to build new hydrogen pipelines from Southern Europe. According to a report from the "Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung" (WAZ) on Tuesday, Germany requires pipelines from countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
López explained that without these pipelines, the high demand for hydrogen in Germany could hardly be met. A reliable hydrogen supply is also essential for the establishment of the planned green steel production in Duisburg. The company must have access to the hydrogen backbone network planned by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens).
"Our demand for hydrogen for the new DRI plant is enormous," emphasized López. DRI stands for direct reduced iron. In the plant, instead of coal and coke, natural gas and later hydrogen are used to remove oxygen from the iron ore. The resulting sponge iron is then melted down. The plant in Duisburg is intended to replace a traditional blast furnace.
However, the company is also flexible enough to be able to operate the first Grünstahl plant in Duisburg, which is already under construction, with natural gas. However, in this case, thyssenkrupp Steel would no longer receive the full state subsidy of around two billion euros, but only a part of it. "There are quotas for green hydrogen, to which the state subsidy is linked. Our goal is to further promote the hydrogen economy in Germany," explained López.
Thyssenkrupp is currently looking for potential energy partners worldwide. Three regions are particularly in focus: the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabian Peninsula, and the southern USA. "We are currently exploring opportunities for partnerships in all three regions," said López. Collaboration with these partners could be of great advantage for the company.
López also emphasized that the supply of green hydrogen is crucial for the construction of the Grünstahl plant in Duisburg. The plant will make a significant contribution to reducing emissions in the steel industry and thus drive decarbonization. "We must act quickly to achieve our climate goals," said the thyssenkrupp CEO.
Finally, López underscored the importance of hydrogen for the future of the steel industry. Germany relies on a reliable supply of green hydrogen to remain competitive. Therefore, it is urgently necessary for Germany and Europe to invest in the development of the corresponding infrastructure. "Only in this way can we be successful in the long term and achieve the transition to a climate-friendly industry," concluded López.
