Timmermans relaunches hydrogen for Taranto steel
«In Taranto we can demonstrate that there can be a clean steel in the future, that clean work is possible, that there is a chance to protect the environment ea improve the environment and at the same time to create work». Frans Timmermansexecutive vice president of the European Commission and responsible for climate action and the European Green Deal, relaunches the proclamations for clean steel from Taranto. And it supports the Apulian governor Michele Emiliano. Guest of the city home to the largest Italian steel mill for the Sustainable Development Festival, the EU vice president was disputed by the farmers of Coldiretti.
The meeting with Emiliano
The day before, Timmermans attended a meeting with the mayor Rinaldo Melucci, the president of the Puglia Emiliano Region and the entrepreneurs who work in the “Green Hydrogen Valleyof Taranto, to discuss the city’s plans to become a hub for the production and transport of renewable hydrogen. “We are at the beginning, sadly we are at the beginning,” said Timmermans. “But it’s a good start because up hydrogen and steel there are investments everywhere”. Also, she continued, “there is awareness of Italian authorities that we have to go in this direction”.
The shore with the governor
«If the Italian Republic decides to close the steel mill, certainly Timmermans cannot oppose this decision – said Emiliano -. If, conversely, the Italian Republic decides that this steel mill must remain openit is clear that technology must be changed and a system must be built that does not kill people and therefore allows us to produce steel without pollution. This thing is technologically possible, I’m not saying it but the EU says it, Timmermans and personalities from the world of science say it”.
“The workers – added the governor – they are right not to trust after all these years, but Timmermans’ visit serves to rebuild this trust, it being understood that we must claim, as Puglia region, that we had repeatedly said that direct reduction furnaces were feasible». «Now, finally, thanks to the Draghi government – he continued – these ovens are being built and we would also like to hear from the Meloni government if they are of the same idea. I think yes, Minister Urso is of the same idea and we are fighting as always for health and for work ».
EU funds for steel and hydrogen
«For me Taranto – added Timmermans – would be one symbolic city to demonstrate this reality because when we talk about climate neutrality 2050 it’s nice, but we have to make some actions now. And to have the support of citizens we must demonstrate that we are capable of solving these problems and creating sustainable jobs and I truly believe that it is possible here in Taranto”.
On the table is the billion euro made available by Just Transition Fund of the EU, of which up to 800 million they should arrive right in Taranto for the “green” steel and hydrogen-powered furnaces. A plan still all on paper, as Timmermans himself admitted.