The company has previously announced the intention to invest in lower carbon emissions “hydrogen ready” DRI-EAF facilities to replace several blast furnaces across our European business, as a key strategic first step towards reducing emissions. In all cases, the host countries offered funding support for these projects, with the approval of the European Commission.
These projects were premised on a favourable combination of policy, technology and market developments that would facilitate decarbonization investment by helping offset the significantly higher capital and operating costs that this transition strategy would involve. This included being able to use natural gas until green hydrogen became competitive.
However European policy, energy and market environments have not moved in a favourable direction. Green hydrogen is evolving very slowly towards being a viable fuel source and natural gas based DRI production in Europe is not yet competitive as an interim solution. Furthermore, there are significant weaknesses in the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), trade protection measures need strengthening in response to increasing imports due to China overcapacity, and there is limited willingness among customers to pay premiums for low-carbon emissions steel.
Before taking final investment decisions it is necessary to have full visibility on the policy environment that will ensure higher cost steelmaking can be competitive in Europe without a global carbon price, the company stated.
Company expects several important developments in 2025, including the scheduled review of the CBAM, an anticipated review of the steel safeguards, and the publication of the Steel and Metals Action Plan. When complete, these initiatives will provide the parameters needed to shape the business case for decarbonisation investments in Europe.
Photo of ArcelorMittal
Describe more in press release https://shorturl.at/bTBZc
