The steelmaker said the plants, which are to be constructed at its Eisenhüttenstadt and Bremen sites, will be set up to use hydrogen, potentially allowing for CO₂ savings of more than 5 million metric tons. 

"With our concept for the transformation of the plants in Bremen and Eisenhüttenstadt, we are accelerating the implementation of carbon-neutral steel production. These projects have the potential to have a significant impact in reducing CO₂ emissions, in line with the European Union’s climate commitments. We are now asking for the necessary support and access to funding, to make the implementation of our plans happen,” said ArcelorMittal Flachstahl Deutschland chief executive Reiner Blaschek. 

ArcelorMittal said that initially, the Bremen direct reduction plant will be set up to consume natural gas. The plant will supply steelmaking operations there and at the Eisenhüttenstadt site with sponge iron. Later, it will switch to hydrogen that is to be supplied by the regional North German Clean Hydrogen Coastline network.

Eventually, the Eisenhüttenstadt site will be switched over the hydrogen, too, ArcelorMittal said.