Image: OÖN/Perwein
In its Steeg electrode factory, Graphite Austria GmbH produces graphite electrodes that make it possible to produce steel with far lower CO2 emissions than when produced in conventional blast furnaces. This is done by melting steel scrap or iron in the electric arc furnace with the help of electrodes. The electrodes from the Steeg plant are therefore essential for the decarbonization of European steel production.
Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler and Environment Minister Stefan Kaineder (both Green) visited the electrode factory yesterday and were impressed by the climate protection measures that are being carried out there. The electrode factory not only feeds industrial waste heat into the Goiserer local heating network. From November, 59,000 photovoltaic modules on an area of more than 30 hectares in Nickelsdorf (Burgenland) and Oberzeiring (Styria) will also generate clean electricity for the electrode factory, which can use it to cover almost half of its electricity requirements. “Companies like this show how far many companies are already on the way to climate neutrality,” says Gewessler and congratulated managing director Eugen Hofer and the 170 employees of the electrode factory on their achievements.
Source: Nachrichten
