The German Ministry of Economics expressed its regret over the decision of steelmaker ArcelorMittal to abandon its plans to transition to climate-neutral production at its plants in Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt, Germany.
In response to a question on the matter, the ministry said in a statement: “This decision is a private business decision of the company and falls within its powers as a private company,” noting that the important thing is that no government funds have yet been disbursed to the company for this purpose.
The Ministry of Economics, under Robert Habeck in the previous German government, and the state of Bremen promised ArcelorMittal a total of approximately €1.3 billion in financial support more than a year ago, of which €250 million would be contributed by the state of Bremen, the ministry explained, according to the German news agency (dpa).
ArcelorMittal Europe had previously announced its abandonment of the climate project, citing the market situation and the lack of economic feasibility.
The ministry noted that three similar projects are still ongoing by primary steel-producing companies.
The ministry stated that projects by Salzgitter Flachstahl, Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, and Stahl Holding SAAR have received financing decisions totaling approximately €5.6 billion. It was confirmed that implementation of these projects has already begun at the three companies’ sites.
