Letter of intent for the long-term supply of low-carbon electricity

On May 22, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Federal Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten visited ArcelorMittal Belgium in Gent as part of the company’s CO2 roadmap. They signed a letter of intent for the long-term supply of low-carbon electricity to ArcelorMittal Belgium. 

ArcelorMittal Belgium is passionate about sustainability and circularity and is playing a leading role in the industry with regard to climate transition. ArcelorMittal Europe is actively implementing an action plan to reduce CO2 emissions by 35% from 2018 levels by 2030 and to become climate neutral by 2050. 

ArcelorMittal Belgium’s decarbonization efforts fit within this framework and can be summarized in three main areas: 

  • The first pillar focuses on energy efficiency: waste heat reuse, renewable energy development and process optimization. 
  • The second pillar is based on the circular use of carbon, CCU and CCS. The use of waste wood from municipal waste collection points through the Torero project is an example of this. Under CCU, the Steelanol plant converts steel gases into ethanol. ArcelorMittal Belgium is working in collaboration with Fluxys and North Sea Port on a study to build a CO2 hub from which captured CO2 can be transported to permanent storage sites. 
  • The third pillar focuses primarily on electrification. Therefore, access to electricity at a competitive price is particularly important. ArcelorMittal Belgium greatly appreciates the federal government’s efforts in this area. ArcelorMittal Belgium’s plans to decarbonize its production have been boosted by the signing today of a letter of intent for the long-term supply of low-carbon electricity to ArcelorMittal Belgium. Following the successful completion of the pre-FEED (front-end engineering design) phase last year, the decarbonization transformation project is currently in the FEED phase. The completion of the FEED phase, expected in the fall of 2024, will determine the industrial layout for the project, the implementation schedule and final budget, and confirm the viability of the project.  ArcelorMittal’s decision is expected thereafter.