STEEL + TECHNOLOGY 01/2020 EXTRACT

28 | COMPANIES
Our roadmap and the emissions reduction
target of 30% by 2030 for Europe is a big step in
the right direction. It’s not a one-size-fits-all
model, as different parts of our business are at
varying starting points.
Geert Van Poelvoorde, CEO ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products
steel industry, in line with the objectives
of the Paris Agreement and the European
Union’s commitment to net-zero by 2050
as announced in the Green Deal in
December. Our roadmap and the emissions
reduction target of 30% by 2030
for Europe is a big step in the right direction.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all model, as
different parts of our business are at varying
starting points. For some sites, certain
technologies will work while others
will be suited to another route. We’ve
spent the last few years testing a range
of technologies and now is the time to
scale up and put them into action, with
the support of the EU and member
states, to ensure we are able to fully
decarbonise.”
ArcelorMittal welcomes the
European Commission’s Green Deal
Following the publication of the European
Commission’s Green Deal, Geert Van
Poelvoorde, CEO ArcelorMittal Europe –
Flat Products, says:
“Europe’s commitment to reduce its
carbon emissions to be net-zero should be
applauded and we commend the leadership
of Mrs von der Leyen and her team.
However, the Green Deal will only work if
there is full-scale transformation and support
for industries.”
“The climate challenge is unprecedented,
and bold action is therefore needed.
Achieving our ambition of being carbon
neutral by 2050 is a major challenge,
but with the right political framework –
allowing European steelmakers to remain
competitive while the steel industry
moves to carbon-neutral steelmaking –
we’re convinced it’s achievable. The proposal
for a carbon border adjustment,
which effectively puts a carbon price on
imports, recognizes that every country
needs to play its part in reducing global
CO 2 emissions. By preventing steel production
moving to countries where carbon
emissions legislation is less strict,
and where carbon emissions are therefore
higher, means we put a stop to carbon
leakage. This is exactly the type of
action that is needed.”
While support for a carbon border
adjustment has been growing in recent
months, ArcelorMittal was one of the
first companies to support a proposed
carbon border adjustment and backs the
European Commission’s proposals for a
€ 35 billion ‘just transition’ fund, to invest
in research, innovation and green technology.
• ArcelorMittal Europe
News brief
GERMANY
SMS group to build new headquarters complex
SMS group is building a new headquarters
complex next to the existing buildings
at its Mönchengladbach site. The
new campus is scheduled to be ready to
be moved in in 2023.
The decision to build the new facilities
stems from the longstanding wish to unite
employees from many different business
units under one roof while offering them
state-of-the-art workplaces. The SMS
Campus will bring together employees
who, until recently, had been spread
across five locations in the immediate
area. By merging these locations, SMS
group is promoting even closer cooperation
along the entire value chain. The Technology,
Service and Digitalization Campus
will enable agile working within a 5G infrastructure
and feature generously spaced
social and communication areas. The existing
properties in Mönchengladbach will be
modernized with a view to optimally integrating
with the new facilities. Alongside
office equipment and traffic concepts,
Model of the new SMS Campus planned to be built in Mönchengladbach (Picture: SMS
group)
cost aspects were thoroughly analyzed
and compared, resulting in the SMS Campus
in Mönchengladbach to be the most
efficient solution. In particular, the costs of
the newly constructed building complex
will be offset by avoiding further rental
costs and necessary renovations at the
existing premises in Düsseldorf, and
through the sale of this company property.
• SMS group
STEEL + TECHNOLOGY 2 (2020) No. 1