Green Steel is the future of the industry says Kerstin Maria Rippel

Kerstin Maria Rippel, Chief Executive Officer of the German Steel Federation (Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl), has emphasized the importance of green steel as a cornerstone for the future of the steel industry. Her statement comes in response to remarks made by Friedrich Merz, the conservative candidate for Chancellor of Germany in the upcoming February 2025 elections, during the Works Council Conference of the Christian Democratic Employees' Association (CDA).

"Let me be clear: Green steel is the future," Rippel stated. She acknowledged that Friedrich Merz expressed skepticism about the practical implementation of green hydrogen in steel production and introduced carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies into the conversation. Rippel welcomed this openness, emphasizing that discussing the best pathways to achieve industrial decarbonization is necessary and productive.

Rippel also expressed her appreciation for Merz's recognition of the steel industry's critical role in ensuring the resilience of both Germany and Europe. She highlighted his commitment to supporting the industry's global competitiveness and his call for pragmatic solutions in the pursuit of climate neutrality.

Addressing misunderstandings related to recent policy discussions, Rippel supported comments from CDA Chairman Dennis Radtke, who underscored that the goal is not to reverse climate initiatives but to make them more competitive. Radtke remarked, "Green steel is the future. It's not about rolling back projects but about making them competitive."

Source and Photo: WV Stahl