Salzgitter subsidiary Ilsenburger Grobblech (ILG) and GRI Renewable Industries have signed a partnering agreement on the possible processing of low-CO2 steel products in wind towers.

The German steel producer's partnering programme offers companies the opportunity to secure a defined tonnage of green steel today as part of an economic commitment, which is to be produced and supplied from the end of 2025 as part of SALCOS - Salzgitter Low CO₂-Steelmaking.

In addition, both companies intend to cooperate in the further development of steel grades.

GRI Renewable Industries is a manufacturer of wind turbines and an important customer of ILG.

GRI Renewable Energy Industries chief executive Antonio Barbosa said: "The renewable energy sector is a pillar in the decarbonisation of the economy and GRI Renewable Industries, as a committed player in this sector, considers the value chain greenhouse gas emission reduction in the wind energy sector, as a key element in the company strategy.

"This justifies the sense of this agreement by which we commit to work together pioneering the availability of physically low CO2 steel for the wind power industry.

Ilsenburger Grobblech managing director Sebastian Bross added: "The wind power industry is a strategic target sector for Ilsenburger Grobblech.

"Due to this strategic direction, this customer segment is a perfect fit for our portfolio green and renewable steel.

"This partnering agreement will enable us to develop processes and products together and confirms our pioneering position in the emerging markets for green steel."