Bundestag President Bärbel Bas has expressed concerns over the potential slowdown of the development of green steel production in Germany.
Bas, a Social Democratic Party (SPD) politician, told the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung that it would be a fatal mistake to reverse the progress made in the green steel industry. “If the steel industry in Germany is to have a future, we need transformation” she said, highlighting the need for a shift towards a more sustainable production method. As a member of the Bundestag, Bas represents the electoral district of Duisburg, a city heavily reliant on the steel industry.
Her comments come in response to statements made by CDU’s Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, who expressed doubts about the feasibility of a swift transition to hydrogen-powered steel production. In an event held by the CDU’s worker’s wing in Bochum, Merz said, “I personally don’t believe that the rapid transition to hydrogen-based steel production will be successful. Where will the hydrogen come from? We don’t have it.”
Bas reacted with dismay to Merz’s comments, stating, “I am really shocked” and adding that his words were a blow to the workers at Thyssenkrupp. She emphasized that the production of climate-friendly steel is the only way to keep the steel industry in Duisburg afloat.