The steel industry has accepted the challenges of the climate crisis and launched investment programmes worth billions for decarbonization. However, the high energy prices are a hurdle that can only be overcome through economic policy support, as “green” steel is indispensable for society.
Replacing blast furnaces with climate-friendly direct reduction plants and the resulting need for large quantities of green electricity and hydrogen are just some of the specific topics currently being discussed. Economic solutions for this were the focus of the Hüttentag 2023, for which DVS Media GmbH and Messe Essen GmbH, as joint organizers, drew a more than positive balance. On November 16, 320 participants as well as 26 exhibitors and sponsors discussed the steel industry in the energy and climate crisis in networking talks, but above all in specialist presentations, keynotes and a panel discussion in the Glass Foyer East of Messe Essen.
Under the patronage of Essen’s Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen, Hüttentag 2023 offered presentations and keynote speeches on practical solutions for the steel industry. The event kicked off with the opening lecture by Dr. Martin Theuringer, Managing Director of the German Steel Federation, on the topic of “On the road to green steel: What the steel industry needs now for a successful transformation”. In their keynotes, Dr. Peter Maagh, CEO of Dillinger and Saarstahl, and Felix Schmitz, CEO of Kloeckner Metals Germany, explained how green steel can be used to secure a technological edge and that green steel is viewed very positively by customers. In the panel discussion that followed, moderator Nadine Pungs went into further detail on some of the aspects mentioned.
In the afternoon, six sessions with a total of 22 specialist presentations were held in two parts, focusing on specific aspects of the energy and climate transition for the steel industry. The various specialist presentations in the first session were dedicated to “Decarbonized process routes and supply chains”, “Digitalization in energy management and communication” and “Automated production technology 4.0”.
The second series of presentations focused on “The digitalized steelworks” (I + II) and “Steel in the circular economy”. The participants, guests and exhibitors were then bid farewell in the evening to the all-round successful event with a summarizing outlook. Many of the solutions presented during the day were later discussed further at the convivial evening in the hut.
Visitors, exhibitors and sponsors naturally also used the informal setting of the well-attended hut evening to network. Dirk Sieben, Managing Director of DVS Media GmbH, also gave a positive summary of this year’s event: “Today’s presentations and discussions have shown that the Steelworks Day was once again able to help identify solutions to the enormous challenges facing the steel industry. We are delighted that our event format is helping to bring the players together and promote the exchange of ideas.”