The planned setback in US climate protection

The planned setback in US climate protection

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A step backwards with a signal effect - USA plans to abolish endangerment finding

The United States is facing a far-reaching cut in its climate policy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently preparing to withdraw one of the country's most important climate policy foundations: the so-called "Endangerment Finding". This 2009 regulation determined that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare. It formed the legal basis for numerous emission limits and climate protection measures over the past 15 years.

 

The planned abolition of this classification could have far-reaching consequences. Without it, the Environmental Protection Agency would no longer have the legal authority to set national limits for CO₂ or other greenhouse gases - neither for the transport sector nor for industrial facilities or power plants. This threatens not only an end to existing regulations, but also a permanent weakening of US climate policy at federal level.

The transportation sector, which is currently responsible for around a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions in the USA, would be particularly affected. Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles account for the majority of these. In the past, binding CO₂ limits have led to more efficient engines, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. This development could now be brought to an abrupt halt.

 

Figures & impact of the planned withdrawal of climate protection regulations in the USA

54 billion USD/year savings

This figure comes from estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) on the planned repeal of emissions regulations.

It refers to the supposedly eliminated regulatory costs, especially for vehicle manufacturers, energy suppliers and industry.
The estimate was published by the EPA itself as part of the current proposal to withdraw the "Endangerment Finding".

 

>2 trillion USD social benefit

This figure is an aggregate estimate from previous cost-benefit analyses of emission standards - also supported by EPA and independent studies, among others.

It is made up of:

Fuel savings (~820 billion USD)
Climate damage, health costs, etc. (~1.2 to 1.8 trillion USD)

The value relates to the period from approx. 2025-2055 if current regulations are continued

 

The planned repeal of climate regulations is highly controversial both economically and politically. While supporters point to savings for companies, critics warn of the loss of billions in climate and health benefits. The draft is still in the consultation process, but legal disputes are foreseeable. Uncertainty is also growing in the economy - for example with regard to investments in climate-friendly technologies. The decision could set the tone for future US climate policy.

India achieves important climate target five years earlier than planned

India achieves important climate target five years earlier than planned

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This July, the Indian government proudly announced that the country would generate 50 percent of its installed power generation capacity from renewable energy sources. This means that this important goal of the Paris Climate Agreement has already been achieved this year instead of 2030. An important milestone in India's energy transition. At the same time, coal still plays the main role in actual power generation.

 

India is the most populous country in the world and the third largest CO2 emitter after China and the USA. Its economy is growing at around 6% per year, which means that its hunger for energy is also increasing. India is expanding both its coal capacities and its renewable energy capacities, with the latter growing faster. According to Indian energy expert Binit Das, the country still needs coal for grid stability. In order to really make good use of the energy output of renewable sources, difficulties with electricity storage and grid problems due to a lack of line capacity must be overcome - problems that we also have to contend with here.

 

Some figures on India's energy capacity:

485 gigawatts of total electricity generation capacity
243 gigawatts from non-fossil energy sources (as of June 2025)

of which 185 GW solar and wind energy
49 GW hydropower
8.8 GW nuclear energy

According to the government, 24.5 gigawatts of new solar energy capacity were installed in 2024 - an increase of around 33% within one year

In addition to government subsidies for the expansion of renewable energies and investments in grid expansion, private investors and companies also play an important role in the energy transition.

Back in March 2024, we reported on the largest wind and solar park under construction in the westernmost Indian state of Gujarat, which will be five times the size of Paris when completed.

The world's largest power plant is being built in India

New funding for more biodiversity in agriculture and forestry

New funding for more biodiversity in agriculture and forestry

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The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK) specifically supports the conservation of biodiversity in Austria and has launched two funding calls with a total volume of EUR 7.5 million. In view of the global extinction of species, it is important that we step up our efforts to protect and reintroduce species.

 

"Austria is a model country for biodiversity in agriculture and forestry thanks to our farms. The funding calls are a series of successes and with the current calls we are setting another milestone for the preservation of our valuable biodiversity. Thanks to the active management by our farmers, the preservation of biodiversity is also possible in the context of agriculture and forestry. This successful Austrian model makes a major contribution to ensuring that our country continues to be worth living in," said Agriculture Minister Totschnig in a press release.

 

Creation and protection of different habitats

In the area of agriculture, this is already the 5th funding call on biodiversity, with a volume of 4.5 million euros. In the current call, projects with an upper project cost limit of 400,000 euros or 650,000 euros for projects with a demonstrable focus on implementation can be funded. The deadline for submissions is 13.10.2025.

The funded projects are intended to create habitats for pollinators and farmland birds and improve carbon storage in agriculture. The focus is on preserving and restoring species-rich meadows and pastures, enabling the coexistence of yield-oriented and biodiversity-promoting cultivation, habitat networking through biodiversity-promoting elements such as fallow and flowering areas and landscape elements, and the ecological improvement of the water balance.

 

Promoting nature conservation and biodiversity in our forests

The second funding call supports biodiversity in Austria's forests, has a volume of EUR 3 million and is already the 4th funding call for biodiversity projects financed by the Forest Fund. The minimum funding limit for projects is 100,000 euros and the maximum funding limit is 500,000 euros in eligible project costs. The submission deadline is September 19, 2025.

Projects such as monitoring, case studies or basic research on biodiversity-related topics, project-related support activities in connection with the initiation, planning and implementation of complex nature conservation projects can be submitted for funding in the area of forestry. This can, for example, relate to forest biodiversity monitoring and management. Targeted public relations work and awareness-raising activities are also to be carried out.

 

Further information on the funding calls:

https://www.ama.at/dfp/foerderungen-fristen/massnahme-77-02-bml-zusammenarbeit/aufrufe-und-fristen#1048c

https://www.bmluk.gv.at/themen/wald/waldfonds/massnahme-10–4-call-.html

Between analysis and dangerous trivialization - Lanz, Precht and the climate issue

Between analysis and dangerous trivialization - Lanz, Precht and the climate issue

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I listen to the Lanz and Precht podcast every week. It's my favorite podcast because it often addresses exactly the topics that really concern me - politically, socially, humanly. The latest episode was about climate change, and this time it was particularly clear to me how difficult it is to find a common understanding on this issue.

 

In this episode, Markus Lanz, Richard David Precht and Luisa Neubauer discuss why climate change will hardly be discussed in public in 2025 - even though it is more urgent than ever. Neubauer warns that politicians are putting the brakes on climate protection for fear of a shift to the right. She criticizes the fact that many young people have lost confidence in political impact - and are therefore no longer taking to the streets en masse as they did in 2019.

Precht suspects widespread resignation among politicians who are putting climate protection on the back burner for tactical reasons. Lanz argues that economic concerns - inflation, recession, the social system - are also pushing climate protection out of focus.

The tone of the climate movement is also a point of contention: While Lanz warns against apocalyptic rhetoric, Neubauer defends the realism of scientific facts. She also openly reports on the massive threats to which she is exposed as an activist - and refers to the political and social handling of this escalation.

 

Luisa Neubauer was there as a guest - objective, calm and very clear in her statements. She didn't need any dramatic words to make it clear what was actually at stake: nothing less than the foundation of our future. As usual, Richard David Precht was profound and analytical - you can tell how seriously he takes the topic and how much he is preoccupied with the struggle for solutions.

 

Markus Lanz, on the other hand, came across to me more like someone who approaches the topic cautiously, but keeps it at an emotional distance. He repeatedly made provocative interjections - such as the idea that climate change is real, but still a long way off and perhaps not such a big problem. That "we'll manage somehow". He compared climate change with various other problems - even with the problem of contaminated rivers in the GDR - a comparison that not only sounded wrong to me, but completely ignored the actual extent of the problem. Lanz then went on to say that we have to be able to afford climate protection and attributed this to a good economy. The idea that our economy can simply continue as it is and "co-finance" climate change on the side is an illusion. In reality, we need a fundamental transformation towards a climate-neutral, sustainable economy. Not at some point. But now.

 

I was particularly struck by the moment at the end when Lanz was audibly surprised that climate change could become existential for humanity in the coming century. This reaction shows how big the gap still is - between what science has been saying for years and what actually comes across in public discourse.what this episode made me feel again: We often lack not opinion, but shared knowledge. As long as we don't acknowledge how serious the situation is, we will continue to ignore reality - with false assumptions and false solutions.

 

The effects of climate change on people.

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research study (Nature, April 2024):

According to a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, published in Nature in April 2024, climate change will lead to a global loss of income of around 19% by 2050 - even if no further emissions were to be added today.

The researchers estimate that the annual economic damage caused by climate change could rise to around 38 trillion US dollars by 2050. In comparison, the investment required to keep global warming below 2°C would be around USD 6 trillion per year. The consequential costs of climate change would therefore be six times higher than the costs of effective climate protection. This means that if no effective climate protection measures are implemented, the costs of global warming could be six times higher than the investments required to keep the temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius.

Links to the study:
https://www.pik-potsdam.de

https://www.nature.com

 

Wrong proirities - billions for weapons, but no money for the climate?

And at the same time, we are seeing thousands of billions flowing into armaments and weapons worldwide. I find this difficult to understand. Each of these investments is not just a missed opportunity - it is a direct step backwards in the fight against climate change. Because the money will then be missing exactly where it is most urgently needed: For the climate, education, social justice and the preservation of our livelihoods.

 

Conclusio

This podcast episode was therefore not only informative for me, but another wake-up call. It's no longer a question of whether we do something - but whether we are prepared to really rethink our priorities.

Wolfgang Schwayda, on 28.07.2025

Dumplings with chanterelle sauce

Dumplings with chanterelle sauce

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Chanterelles are finally back! This year we had to wait a long time for them because it was far too dry and the last few weeks too cool. But yesterday was the day again. We found beautiful yellow pieces of gold in the forest, gently embedded in moss, which we used immediately afterwards.

 

The search for chanterelles and mushrooms combines exercise in the fresh air and the satisfaction of the hunting instinct. Especially when you find a place with an abundance of mushrooms, it fills you with a feeling of happiness.

Please note the following: Anyone going in search of the golden treasure in foreign forest areas should know that collecting a maximum of 2 kilos per person per day is permitted in Austria and that additional restrictions apply depending on the federal state, which you can read about here. If a forest owner puts up a sign saying "Collecting prohibited", it is not permitted and can be punished.

As a matter of principle, we only take mushrooms for our own use and leave some at each location.

 

But now to our recipe

Dumpling dough

🍄‍🟫 6-7 stale bread rolls or 750 g bread cubes

🍄‍🟫 2-3 eggs (depending on size)

🍄‍🟫 250 ml lukewarm milk

🍄‍🟫 some soup

🍄‍🟫 3 tablespoons flour

🍄‍🟫 1 onion

🍄‍🟫 Parsley

🍄‍🟫 Nutmeg, salt and pepper

 

Chanterelle sauce

🍄‍🟫 3 hands full of mushrooms

🍄‍🟫 1/2 onion

🍄‍🟫 250 ml whipped cream

🍄‍🟫 250 ml soup

🍄‍🟫 1 tbsp potato starch

🍄‍🟫 Salt and pepper

The preparation in detail

The dumplings

First cut the old bread rolls into cubes - if using bread cubes, simply place them in a large bowl.
At the same time, put a large pan of water on the stove, add salt and heat with the lid on until the water boils.

 

Cut the onion into small pieces and sauté in a pan in a little fat to make it easier to digest.
The parsley is also cut into small pieces and added to the onions.

 

Now add lukewarm milk to the bread cubes. The mixture should be well absorbed and the large cubes should not remain too dry.
I usually also add some soup, which I prepare for the sauce anyway.
Then add the eggs, the slightly cooled onion and the parsley.
The mixture is now seasoned with nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste
As my mixture is very moist and I want to make sure that it doesn't fall apart in the water, I add flour until the mixture has "bite" again and can be easily formed into dumplings.
These then go straight into the boiling water and are cooked without a lid for about 20 minutes.

 

The mushroom sauce

Clean the mushrooms with a knife (DO NOT rinse with water) and cut in half or quarters, depending on size and preference.
Chop half the onion into small pieces and sauté in a pan.
Then add the mushrooms and fry over a medium heat for a few minutes.
Add the whipping cream and reduce.
Then add the soup so that the quantity is sufficient for the number of people.
Mix the potato starch with cold water and add to the mixture.
Stir well and add soup if the consistency is too thick.
Finally, season with salt and pepper and add finely chopped parsley to taste.

Bon Appetit!

 

The gold of the forest

 

Link:

Regulations for collecting mushrooms in Germany

Regulations for collecting mushrooms in Austria

Sustainable Travel Episode 1: Gesäuse - Experience wilderness in Styria

Sustainable Travel Episode 1: Gesäuse - Experience wilderness in Styria

in

The most beautiful places in Austria & Germany: Where nature still rages and people can breathe a sigh of relief

At a time when many resorts are losing their authenticity due to overuse by tourists, the Gesäuse in the Styrian mountains offers a refreshing exception: untamed nature, decelerated life, real breathing space. As Austria's youngest national park, the Gesäuse combines wild beauty with conscious protection. Anyone on vacation here immerses themselves in a landscape that lets you feel its power - and wants to be treated with respect.

Rugged limestone giants, rushing mountain streams, fragrant forests and tranquil alpine pastures characterize the region - but it is not only the natural treasures that impress. The Gesäuse is regarded as a model region for sustainable tourism, where environmental protection, regional development and vacations interact as equals. A trip here shows what the future can look like - if we shape it carefully.

 

Arrival & mobility - leave your car at home

Even the journey to the Gesäuse proves it: Sustainability starts on the doorstep. The region is very well connected to public transport and offers a variety of environmentally friendly mobility solutions:

The Ennstalbahn railroad runs directly into the National Park - stops in Admont, Johnsbach, Weng or Gstatterboden provide easy access to hiking trails and accommodation.
Regional bus lines also provide access to more remote villages.
E-bikes, hiking buses and shuttle services are available locally.

Many hostels and tourism businesses reward travel by train or bike - for example with discounted nights or guided tours. If you wish, you can make your entire stay completely car-free - without sacrificing comfort.

 

Overnight stay with responsibility

In the Gesäuse, you can sleep with a view of the mountains - and with a clear conscience. The region's accommodation providers are increasingly focusing on ecological standards, regional value creation and respectful use of resources.

Recommended addresses:

Öko-Gasthof zur Bachbrücke - organic cuisine, energy efficiency, natural garden
Camping Forstgarten - nature-oriented accommodation with a minimal ecological footprint
Naturfreundehaus Gstatterboden - simple rooms with a great panorama

Many of these businesses are part of initiatives such as the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature and Geopark or bear environmental labels such as the Austrian Environmental Seal of Quality. Staying overnight here is a conscious decision - for the region, for the environment and for a new travel culture.

 

Activities - experience the wilderness up close

Those who come to the Gesäuse are not looking for entertainment, but for grounding. Nature is not staged here, but experienced - directly, honestly and often impressively intense:

The Gesäuse Hüttenrunde offers a multi-day trekking tour through alpine terrain, from hut to hut, with breathtaking views and plenty of solitude.
Guided nature hikes with rangers or nature educators impart knowledge about biodiversity, geology and climate development.
Riverwalking along the Enns allows you to get to know the mountain river in a completely new way - as the lifeline of a region, not as an adventure park.

A special experience is the "Path of Wilderness", a didactically designed nature trail that explains the ecological connections of the national park and sharpens your own perception.

 

Regional cuisine with attitude

In the Gesäuse, people don't just cook - they enjoy food with awareness. The culinary culture is closely linked to the landscape: what grows here is processed. What lives here is used respectfully. The connection to the region is not a marketing concept, but part of everyday life:

Wild herbs from the Alpine valleys,
Ennstal alpine lamb from extensive grazing,
Cheese, milk and yogurt from mountain farms,
Mountain fish from sustainable pond farming.

Many restaurants and producers follow the principles of the Slow Food movement, cultivate traditional recipes and pay attention to fair cooperation with regional suppliers.

 

Sustainability factor - the Gesäuse as a model region

The Gesäuse is exemplary for a new form of tourism that combines experiencing nature and nature conservation. Here it was recognized early on that an intact environment and economic life need not be a contradiction in terms - on the contrary:

 

The Gesäuse National Park is recognized as an IUCN category II protected area - this means that ecological priority is given in all decisions.
There is intensive cooperation with schools, universities and the local population - for example as part of Citizen Science.
The region actively promotes sustainable agriculture, cultural initiatives and soft forms of mobility.

Instead of event tourism and mass offerings, the focus here is on depth rather than breadth - creating a vacation experience with real added value.

 

Conclusion - Why this place is more than just a vacation destination

The Gesäuse is not just a destination - it is a statement. For a new way of traveling. For more mindfulness towards the landscape and way of life. For a connection between people and nature based on respect and knowledge.

Here you can feel how little it takes to feel rich: a simple hut, a wide view, the sound of the Enns. And the certainty of being part of a movement that not only travels, but travels responsibly.

 

Further information:

https://www.steiermark.com/de/Gesaeuse

https://nationalpark-gesaeuse.at/

 

Next episode:
The Rhön - watching stars instead of Netflix
A region between Bavaria, Hesse and Thuringia that sets new standards for sustainable tourism as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

 

 

A turning point for global climate policy

A turning point for global climate policy

in

In July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague published a landmark opinion that could fundamentally change the understanding of international climate responsibility. For the first time, the highest court of the United Nations explicitly describes climate change as an "existential threat" - with far-reaching legal and political consequences.

 

An expert opinion with historical significance

The opinion is a response to the initiative of several island states, including Vanuatu and Tuvalu. They had asked the court for a binding assessment under international law: What obligations do states have in dealing with the climate crisis?

The answer is clear - and groundbreaking:

States are obliged under international law to take effective measures to protect the climate.
Limiting global warming is not a matter of political will, but a legally required goal.
Those who remain inactive or continue to rely on fossil fuels can be held liable for climate damage.

 

Climate protection becomes a legal obligation

The court bases its reasoning on existing international agreements and principles, including:

the Paris Climate Agreement,
the UN Charter,
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
and customary international law.

Specifically, the report emphasizes:

The right to life, health, food and water also includes protection from climate-related risks.
Particularly vulnerable groups - such as children, indigenous communities and future generations - are entitled to greater protection.
The violation of these rights through climate-damaging policies can lead to legal consequences.

 

Responsibility is differentiated - but not negotiable

The Court recognizes that historical responsibility for emissions is unevenly distributed. At the same time, it formulates a clear expectation:

All countries must do what is technically and economically possible to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Industrialized countries have a particular obligation due to their resources and influence.
Climate targets must be based on scientific findings - not on political feasibility.

 

Possible consequences for states

The expert opinion itself is not directly binding, but it has a considerable normative effect:

It can serve as a basis for future proceedings under international law - for example through state actions before the International Court of Justice or other bodies.
Affected countries could claim compensation.
International organizations and courts can rely on this assessment in the future.

 

A turning point for global climate policy

For many countries in the Global South, this report is a legal and moral milestone. It shifts the perspective: from an appeal to an obligation to act. From voluntary climate protection to legal responsibility.

The Court's assessment also sends a clear message to companies, institutions and civil society:

Climate protection is not just a question of strategy or innovation - but of justice and the rule of law.
Anyone who causes emissions today is jeopardizing fundamental rights - not just in the abstract, but in a concrete and enforceable way.

 

Perspective

The ICJ's report confirms what has long been obvious: the climate crisis is not an isolated ecological problem, but a systemic threat to global stability, justice and sustainability.

What is now changing is the legal dimension. No longer just ethical responsibility, but international duty. No longer just political ambition, but legal consequence.

Anyone who fails to seriously combat global warming will not only be acting negligently in the future - but in violation of international law.

Earth Overshoot Day earlier than ever before

Earth Overshoot Day earlier than ever before

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World Exhaustion Day indicates the point at which all the natural resources that our planet can restore in a given year are used up. For the rest of the year, we incur ecological debt at the expense of future generations. Humanity would need around 1.8 Earths to cover its current resource requirements. The aim is to postpone this day, which is calculated annually by the Footprint Network platform. So far, however, the trend is pointing in the opposite direction. In 2024, World Exhaustion Day still fell on August 1, more than a week behind this year's date of July 24.

 

Earth Overshoot Day, which falls on July 24, means that humanity is currently consuming nature 1.8 times faster than the Earth's ecosystems can regenerate. This overshoot occurs because humans are emitting more CO₂ than the biosphere can absorb, consuming more freshwater than can be replenished, cutting down more trees than can grow back, fishing faster than stocks can regenerate, etc. This overexploitation beyond what nature can renew inevitably leads to the depletion of the earth's natural capital. It jeopardizes long-term resource security, especially for those who are already struggling to access the resources they need to operate.

The effects of the overshoot

Overshoot is not only the cause of biodiversity loss, resource depletion, deforestation and the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which intensify extreme weather events. It is also the cause of stagflation, food and energy shortages, health crises and conflicts. Regions, cities, companies and countries that have not prepared for this foreseeable reality are exposed to significantly higher risks.

 

"We need to take countermeasures now and treat our planet sustainably. Only then will future generations also have a future worth living"

Joschka Brangs, biodiversity spokesman for WWF Austria

 

Graphic ©️ Global Footprint Network

 

Disposable products are partly responsible

According to GLOBAL 2000, one reason for Wave Depletion Day is the production of more and more disposable products such as disposable vapes, cackling greeting cards and so-called fast fashion. The ostensibly cheap products from Temu, Shein, Aliexpress and Amazon have been flooding Austria for years with increasingly aggressive prices and advertising campaigns. "Every day, 12 million packages arrive in the EU from China, and more than 30,000 land in Vienna Schwechat by plane, causing climate damage. Many of them end up in our garbage bins after a short period of use and we are then left with mountains of garbage, including plastic packaging, which we then have to dispose of at great expense. This cannot and must not continue," says resource spokesperson Anna Leitner from GLOBAL 2000.

 

Countermeasures with strict laws

Specifically, the WWF is calling for an energy-saving offensive, a soil protection treaty to preserve valuable ecosystems and an ambitious implementation of the EU renaturation law. "An intact natural environment secures our livelihoods, such as fertile soil, drinkable water and clean air. It is also our most important ally in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crisis. Its protection must therefore have the highest priority," says Joschka Brangs from WWF.

The environmental protection organization GLOBAL 2000 is calling for strict laws against overproduction and aggressive advertising for disposable products, such as those that France will soon pass against ultra-fast fashion. "The federal government can put an end to this overexploitation of nature, massive overproduction and littering of Austria this fall," explains Leitner. This not only protects the environment and climate, it also helps domestic trade, secures jobs and saves the municipalities and waste associations millions of euros in disposal costs.

 

"We are reaching the limits of the ecological damage we can afford. A quarter of the 21st century has now passed and we owe the planet at least 22 years of ecological regeneration, even if we prevent further damage now. If we are to continue to call this planet home, this scale of overshoot requires a level of ambition in adaptation and mitigation that should dwarf any previous investments we have made in the interests of our shared future."

Dr. Lewis Akenji, Member of the Board of the Global Footprint Network

 

Green steel for climate-neutral industry

Green steel for climate-neutral industry

in

Steel is an indispensable material in the modern world. From bridge construction to vehicles and wind turbines - hardly any infrastructure can do without it. At the same time, conventional steel production is one of the most emission-intensive industries of all: around seven to nine percent of global CO₂ emissions are produced in blast furnaces that are fired with coke and coal. But the change has begun. Green steel - produced in a climate-friendly way using hydrogen instead of coal - is becoming the key technology for a climate-neutral industry.

 

What is green steel?

Green steel refers to steel that is produced without fossil fuels. The central lever here is the so-called direct reduction (DRI) of iron ore using hydrogen. This replaces the conventional use of coke as a reducing agent in the blast furnace. Instead of CO₂, pure water vapor is produced - a radical change in a process that has remained unchanged for over 150 years.

In addition, electricity-based processes such as electric arc furnaces, powered by renewable energies, are used for further processing. Green steel is therefore not only low-carbon, but potentially CO₂-free - depending on the origin of the electricity and hydrogen.

 

Pioneering projects in Europe

Current Voestalpine project - H2FUTURE pilot plant in Linz

Voestalpine and the Austrian energy supplier Verbund are further expanding their H2FUTURE plant in Linz - a milestone in the economic implementation of green hydrogen. Originally commissioned in 2019, the 6 MW PEM electrolysis plant is one of the longest-operating pilot plants of its kind in the world. It is now being expanded to include compression, purification and storage tanks - investment volume: approx. €16 million, target: continuous operation and infrastructure for research and scaling from 2026.

The plant will provide crucial insights into hydrogen production quality, flexibility in power consumption as well as storage and use, including for the production of green crude steel in the electric arc furnace from 2027.

This development is part of Voestalpine's comprehensive greentec-steel program. This includes two new electric arc furnaces in Linz and Donawitz (planned from 2027), with the aim of completely replacing coal furnaces by 2050 and achieving CO₂ neutrality.

Europe is one of the pioneers of green steel production. In Sweden, the company HYBRIT - a joint venture between SSAB, Vattenfall and LKAB - has been producing low-emission steel on a pilot scale since 2020. The first series deliveries went to Volvo, among others.

One of the most ambitious cross-border projects is Stegra, formerly known as H2 Green Steel. A comprehensive green steelworks is currently being built in Boden, northern Sweden, on an area of 270 hectares. Core elements:

A 690 MW electrolyzer plant for the production of hydrogen from renewable electricity.
Direct reduction of iron ore and subsequent smelting process in an electric arc furnace - with up to95% lessCO₂emissions compared to conventional processes.
Financing of€ 6.5billion, partly through a€ 250milliongrant from the EU Innovation Fund, various purchase agreements such as with Porsche, IKEA or Scania.
Construction status: massive progress on electrolyzer and main production facilities, commissioning planned for the end of 2026

 

The movement is also growing in southern Europe. In Puertollano (Spain), "Hydnum Steel", a green steel factory, will be built by 2027 - supported by national and EU funding programs. In Austria, Voestalpine is implementing a pilot project for hydrogen-based direct reduction in Linz - together with Rio Tinto and other partners.

 

Challenges and prospects

Despite its technical feasibility, green steel still faces a number of hurdles. The biggest bottleneck is access to sufficient, low-cost green hydrogen and renewable energy. In addition, the investment costs for new plants are considerable - which makes political support and long-term market incentives necessary.

However, the prospects are promising. The EU supports green steel projects via the Innovation Fund, national hydrogen strategies and regulatory measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Demand is also growing: car manufacturers, construction companies and consumer goods brands are increasingly looking for climate-friendly materials for their supply chains.

Green steel is more than just a technological innovation - it is a symbol of the industrial transformation towards a climate-friendly economy. Europe can take on a global pioneering role in this area if the framework conditions are right. However, for the transformation to succeed, it requires not only investment, but also social awareness and political will.

 

Burgenland launches salt storage offensive

Burgenland launches salt storage offensive

in

Burgenland is taking another step towards energy independence: with a new cooperation between Burgenland Energie and the Viennese cleantech start-up SALZSTROM, the province is launching innovative salt-ion electricity storage systems on the market. The aim is to use renewable electricity that is generated locally - and thus strengthen security of supply, grid independence and cost efficiency.

At the presentation of the project, Governor Hans Peter Doskozil emphasized the importance of regional energy cycles: "Electricity that is generated in Burgenland should also be consumed here. This is the most sustainable way to use energy." Burgenland aims to be climate-neutral and energy self-sufficient by 2030. The use of storage solutions is a central component of the strategy - both in the private sector and for companies and large-scale plants.

 

Third phase of the energy offensive: storage as a key technology

Stephan Sharma, CEO of Burgenland Energie, sees the project as the start of the third phase of the energy transition in Burgenland. The expansion of wind and solar power will now be followed by the systematic development of storage systems. Eight large storage facilities with a total capacity of 500 megawatt hours are to be built as early as 2025/26. The largest of these, with 340 MWh, is planned in Andau. A new type of large-scale carbon storage facility is also being tested in Schattendorf.

At the same time, Burgenland Energie is launching the sale of salt-based household storage systems developed with the help of SALZSTROM. These store electricity from photovoltaic systems in an efficient and environmentally friendly way - and reduce grid costs and charges. This is an advantage, especially in light of the planned feed-in fees by the federal government.

 

Salt storage: sustainable, safe and regional

Salt storage technology is based on sodium ions - one of the world's most abundant elements. It is considered to be particularly safe, durable and resource-saving. The first 100 storage units are available immediately, and the first one will be installed at the Apetlon municipal office in August. The complete package, including inverter, assembly and installation by Burgenland specialist companies, can be ordered immediately via the Burgenland Energie website. The monthly costs start at 59 euros, and a subsidy in Burgenland provides additional support for getting started.

Peter Arnold, CEO and co-founder of SALZSTROM, explains: "Our storage systems impress with their robust battery cells and long service life - developed for a fair, safe and sustainable energy future." Co-founder Jürgen Ellensohn also emphasizes: "Salt batteries are a real game changer. Together with Burgenland Energie, we want to give households access to this future technology today."

 

You can find more information at:

https://www.burgenlandenergie.at

https://www.salzstrom.com/