Steel for a climate-neutral future
Protection of the environment and the climate, conservation of natural resources and prudent use of energy constitute key issues for Salzgitter AG. For us, protecting the climate and the environment goes beyond the observance of statutory regulations, as it plays a decisive role in shaping our corporate behavior – now and in the future. For that reason, we are playing a pioneering role in the decarbonization of the steel industry with our SALCOS® project that is without compare throughout Europe.
Climate protection
With conventional steel production, large quantities of greenhouse gases are emitted in conjunction with the manufacturing process. Therefore, showing tremendous dedication, we are driving the transition to an almost CO2-free steelmaking process forward, to a greater extent and scope than any other producer worldwide, and are currently firmly in the midst of the transformation.
Validated science-based climate objectives
Our science based climate objectives, which were validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) in 2024, are an expression of our commitment and ambition. Consequently, we are on the required climate course to adhere to the 1.5°C objective set by the Paris Climate Agreement. A progress assessment is already scheduled for 2028. With the first step of our SALCOS® program (Salzgitter Low CO2 Steelmaking), we currently find ourselves in the midst of the transformation of our primary steel manufacturing processes, and are thereby already laying the foundations for the achievement of future objectives today.
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Energy efficiency
Prudent, efficient use of energy is a key lever for achieving sustainable business at Salzgitter AG. To do so, we continually tap into our energy-saving potential, thus benefiting from our companies’ innovative technological strengths.
One hundred percent renewable
We’re serious when it comes to green energy sources. By 2025, 50 % of our Group’s electricity requirements are to be met from non-fossil sources, and by 2030 this proportion is to reach 100 %. The proportion of regenerative energy in the external electricity procured was expanded to over 20 % in the reporting year.
Circular economy and resource efficiency
Steel is durable and there are almost no limits to the number of times it can be reused. Closed loops therefore form a key element of our Group strategy. We are creating the conditions for tomorrow’s circular economy by optimizing production processes but also by means of new strategic partnerships.
Expanding scrap recycling
One of Salzgitter AG’s major strategic goals is to expand our market share of recycled scrap metal. Every ton of scrap used reduces the quantity of iron ore and other primary raw materials required in steel production.
SALCOS® - We turn steel green
With SALCOS®, we have joined forces with partners from industry and research to lay the foundations for virtually CO2-free steel production. Central elements of the concept are electricity from renewable sources and its use in the production of hydrogen by means of electrolysis. This green hydrogen will replace the coal we currently use in the conventional blast furnace process. This will be possible with the help of so-called direct reduction plants, in which iron ore is reduced to iron directly in the solid state by hydrogen. This technology emits water vapor instead of CO2.
Our SALCOS® program thus pursues the Carbon Direct Avoidance approach, which stands for avoiding the generation of CO2 in steel production from the outset. Overall, our approach enables us to reduce CO2 emissions in steel production by over 95 %.
