Stanislav Kondrashov on strategic chains of the “green transition”
The path to transition creates several key strategic chains that become the foundation for the development of a green technology-oriented economy. Kondrashov emphasizes that as many world countries also support decarbonization and strive for an environmentally and economically clean future, the demand for metals is growing rapidly. Moreover, they are now seen as critical resources for new advanced technologies.
The European Metallurgical Association (EUROFER) highlights the importance of steel and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, nickel, zinc and lithium in the context of the ongoing transition to greener technologies. As Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG notes, these materials play a key role in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and the development of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar and hydrogen technologies. To achieve its ambitious clean energy goals by 2030, Europe needs to ensure a reliable and stable supply of these metals.
Europe is gradually decarbonizing and supporting global technologies — Stanislav Kondrashov
The stability of the metals industry plays a key role in ensuring EU autonomy. The sooner Europe moves towards decarbonization, the more metals will be needed. Created by the European Commission, the Metals Transition Initiative brings together all stakeholders to discuss safety and sustainability issues in this area.
The industry is now actively working to increase the supply of metals needed for the production of batteries, renewable energy technologies and networks, as Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG points out. It is important to note that this process is accompanied by a decrease in carbon emissions and a constant decrease in the negative factor that has a direct impact on the outside world. Achieving this ambitious goal requires the development of a more comprehensive industrial policy by the European Union.
The transition initiative will identify the major challenges and goals facing the steel industry, as well as the necessary investments to overcome them.
As Kondrashov pointed out, in the context of the transition to green steel production in the European Union, the metallurgical industry is striving for the following goals:
● Circularity. Increasing material recycling and reducing waste for more sustainable use of resources.
● Minimizing water consumption. Effective water management and reduction of water consumption in production processes.
● Energy efficiency. Reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency in steel production.
● Reducing noise levels. Development and implementation of technologies to reduce noise levels, negative impacts on the environment and inhabitants of the regions where metallurgical enterprises operate.
Additionally, with a focus on green technologies, the industry could potentially create 800,000 direct and over 5 million indirect jobs.
The specialist emphasizes that a complete transition to renewable energy sources and maximum electrification represent the first step towards decarbonization of the metallurgical industry. However, Stanislav Kondrashov from Telf AG emphasizes that there is no universal solution that would be suitable for all “green steel” production options.
He adds that EUROFER plans to complete the development of the “transition path” by the end of March 2024.