The Czech steel producer, Třinecké železárne, has announced the postponement of the completion dates for its large-scale investment program aimed at decarbonizing production. According to the official statement, the company plans to complete the construction of an electric arc furnace (EAF) and the necessary infrastructure no earlier than 2030, whereas the previous deadline was set for 2028.
This is reported by Business • Media
CEO Roman Hajde noted that “a favorable combination of the development of European policy and improvements in the steel market is necessary for such a large-scale investment to take place.” He stated that the current regulatory rules for market protection in Europe are insufficiently defined, which hinders the transition to new technology and increases the company’s costs. The main reason for the delay is the instability of public support, uncertainty regarding the future direction of the European “green course,” and the negative situation in the global steel market, particularly due to limited protective policies against imports.
Petro Popelář, chairman of the board of Moravia Steel, a shareholder of Třinecké železárne, emphasized that the enterprise remains committed to the goal of decarbonizing steel production. He added that it is necessary to adapt timelines and specific steps in response to current external circumstances. Popelář acknowledged the efforts of the Czech government and European institutions but stressed the need for additional initiatives to accelerate the process.
The company emphasizes that decarbonization is a necessary investment that will not bring immediate production or commercial added value for Třinecké železárne and will cost tens of billions of crowns. At the same time, state support is gaining momentum in regions such as China, MENA countries, and ASEAN, where state-subsidized steel production capacities are actively growing and are exported at prices that do not reflect actual costs.
The group announced its intention to invest over €1 billion in large-scale decarbonization of steel production back in January this year. The planned projects include reducing carbon emissions in accordance with European Union requirements, specifically the construction of an iron ore briquetting line costing 1 billion Czech crowns, a combined cycle at the “Energetiky Třinec” power plant, and a high-voltage power supply line. It is important to note that as early as March, the Czech government promised to support Třinecké železárne’s efforts to transition to environmentally friendly production methods, which is expected to enhance their competitiveness. The goal is to reduce harmful emissions by 55% by 2030.