The federal government promises ArcelorMittal 10 years of green energy for its site in Ghent. The management of that steel factory is looking at building two electric blast furnaces, good for a capacity of 400 megawatts. But the investment still needs to get the green light from the international management, which can count on generous support in France and Germany.
The federal government will sign a declaration of intent on Wednesday to anchor the important industrial employer in Flanders. ArcelorMittal employs 4,500 people in Ghent and indirectly the company employs another 1,100 employees with contractors on the site.
Building an electric blast furnace can drastically reduce CO2 emissions. The investment was announced in 2021 as the largest climate investment ever in our country. But due to corona and the energy crisis, the final seal is in doubt.
ArcelorMittal expects the final decision in the fourth quarter of this year.