Steel producers have found a way to avoid the coming crisis from the green transition in the EU

Steel producers have found a way to avoid the coming crisis from the green transition in the EU shutterstock
Katerina Belousova

Due to the construction of the DRI plant, the cost of a ton of steel will increase by approximately €50

European steelmakers are planning to revive some outdated steel mills to produce green steel to avoid the burden of paying the full cost of carbon dioxide emissions from 2034.

The payment of emission quotas could increase the cost of each metric ton of steel produced in blast furnaces by €200, which is almost 30% of the current price, the Financial Times reports.

It is noted that the complete transition of the steel industry to environmentally friendly steel production risks worsening their competitive position. However, it increases the attractiveness of investments in green technologies, in particular in electric arc furnaces for scrap metal processing and direct reduction units.

The article emphasized that the construction of a DRI plant, i.e. a green steel plant with an annual capacity of 2 million tons, would cost several billion euros. However, this will increase the cost of a ton of steel by about €50.

The FT emphasized that the Italian industry association has called for subsidies to support the steel plant, formerly known as Ilva. In Germany, Thyssenkrupp received €2 billion in support, and ArcelorMittal will receive €850 million in France.

Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that Norwegian manufacturer of decarbonized steel Blastr Green Steel plans to build a DRI-plant with green hydrogen production in Inkoo, Finland.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, specialists of the EUROFER company developed a map of 60 key European steel projects with low carbon emissions, reflecting their emission reduction potential, financing and energy needs.

Related
The issue of a CBAM deferral for Ukraine remains unresolved — European Commission
The issue of a CBAM deferral for Ukraine remains unresolved — European Commission

At the same time, EU representatives are open to cooperation on possible support for the decarbonisation of industry

The EU has postponed the update to its environmental legislation until 2027
The EU has postponed the update to its environmental legislation until 2027

The reform package should include, in particular, targets for ‘green’ energy and national commitments to reduce emissions

Each EU resident generates 12.3 kg of electronic waste — Eurostat
Each EU resident generates 12.3 kg of electronic waste — Eurostat

This is almost a third less than the volume of new equipment released onto the market, which points to a risk of growing waste stockpiles and unreported disposal

Almost 40% of cars manufactured in the EU were electric or hybrid — Eurostat
Almost 40% of cars manufactured in the EU were electric or hybrid — Eurostat

China consistently leads the way among importers, whilst the United Kingdom leads the way among exporting countries