The German Steel Association (Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl) has approved the cabinet decision on the hydrogen acceleration act presented by Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck. According to Habeck, sufficient quantities of affordable hydrogen are a non-negotiable prerequisite for decarbonising the steel industry.
The steel industry, in turn, could achieve its most effective contribution towards climate neutrality in this sector. For each tonne of climate neutral hydrogen used, the steel industry could save 28 tonnes of CO2! “The hydrogen acceleration act is an important and integral part of accelerating the hydrogen economy, something our industry urgently needs”, remarks Kerstin Maria Rippel, Managing Director of WV Stahl. However, according to Rippel, further measures are necessary in order to reach the goals of the national hydrogen strategy. In her opinion, there is still lasting uncertainty concerning the political framework conditions for establishing a hydrogen economy, and even the goal of reaching ten gigawatt of electrolysis capacity in Germany by 2030 is presently in danger of being abandoned. “Also, the long-expected import strategy must now be presented in a timely manner – and then quickly implemented – and must place a clear focus on importing hydrogen through pipelines. At the least, all enterprises involved need more security for their investments and their planning”, says the lobbyist. Source: WV Stahl
