In a statement, the commission said the “measure will contribute to the achievement of the EU Hydrogen Strategy, the European Green Deal and the Green Deal Industrial Plan targets, while helping to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the green transition.” 

Germany is providing a direct grant in support of construction of a direct reduction plant and three new electric arc furnaces. The new installations will replace two of the three existing blast furnaces and two of the four existing oxygen furnaces at ArcelorMittal Bremen and ArcelorMittal Eisenhüttenstadt. 

“The measure is necessary and appropriate to promote the production of green steel. In addition, it is proportionate, as the level of the aid corresponds to the effective financing needs,” the commission said.