The climate protection agreements for industry planned by the federal government have overcome an important hurdle. The EU Commission has granted approval, the Federal Ministry of Economics announced. This means that the first call for tenders for contracts can be launched shortly.
Companies in the basic materials industry that want to switch their production to more climate-friendly hydrogen can then receive financial help as part of the contracts. Typical sectors of the basic industry are steel, chemicals and cement. Companies must apply for funding for a period of 15 years. Whoever demands the least help with the greatest possible climate impact will be awarded the contract. “Completely new development and innovation opportunities are now opening up – especially for industries with high energy consumption,” said Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens).
Kerstin Maria Rippel, General Manager of the Steel Association, welcomed the decision: “Climate protection agreements are an important instrument as they cushion the additional costs of climate-neutral production.”