Tuesday 17 December 2019

Steel manufacturer promises big cut in European emissions by 2030

Steel manufacturer promises big cut in European emissions by 2030

Steelmaker ArcelorMittal says it plans to publish a carbon reduction target for the global group next year as it commits itself to cutting emissions at its European operations by 30% by the year 2030.

There's growing pressure on the steel industry to reduce its impact on the climate because it is responsible for about 7% of global emissions. There is especial scrutiny in Europe because the new European Commission has made carbon neutrality its top priority.

Geert Van Poelvoorde, Chief Executive ArcelorMittal Europe - Flat Products, said in a statement that the company supported the European Commission's so-called green deal on achieving carbon neutrality, and reiterated the company's demands for a carbon border tax to prevent industry leaving Europe in favour of cheaper but dirtier production elsewhere.

ArcelorMittal's target for a 30% cut from 2018 levels covers flat steel products, which form the bulk of ArcelorMittal's European output and are used in industries such as car making and construction.

ArcelorMittal said it would reduce emissions by making steel using clean energy, such as hydrogen, rather than fossil fuel. It would also invest in  carbon capture and storage, which involves capturing the emissions from traditional steelmaking and storing them or re-using them in industrial processes.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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