Steelmakers are unable to bear the costs of decarbonization on their own – ArcelorMittal Poland

The steel industry is facing major challenges related to the energy transition. Steel producers are unable to cover the costs of the transition to low-carbon technologies on their own, said Sylvia Winiarek-Erdogan, spokeswoman for ArcelorMittal Poland, according to Strefa Biznesu.

She emphasized the key role of steel in the process of energy transformation, without which there will be no photovoltaic panels, wind farms, electric vehicles, etc.

ArcelorMittal Poland is facing the need to decarbonize its steel processes. This requires the construction of new facilities and the introduction of innovative technologies. Winiarek-Erdogan drew attention to rising energy prices, which are a significant obstacle to the implementation of these plans. The steel industry is calling for their reduction, which would facilitate the transformation.

The spokeswoman for ArcelorMittal Poland did not comment on the issue of negotiations with the country’s Ministry of Finance regarding state support.

Earlier, Vice Speaker of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty said that negotiations on state support for this private company are underway. During his visit to the Dąbrowa Basin, he emphasized the importance of the investment for the region and the entire country.

As a reminder, ArcelorMittal Poland’s steel plant in Dąbrowa Górnicza may receive up to PLN 1 billion in state support to modernize its production. The plant, formerly known as Huta Katowice, is one of the company’s six assets in Poland. It produces rails up to 120 meters long. The country’s authorities are considering modernizing one of the blast furnaces to maintain steel production at the plant.