The problems in the energy-intensive industry as a result of the energy crisis are increasing. On Friday, aluminum factory Aldel in Delfzijl announced that it would stop production due to the high electricity prices. ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel company, announced that it would temporarily shut down factories in Bremen later this month. On Thursday, it had already made a similar decision for a Spanish steel plant.
European gas and electricity prices have fluctuated around record levels in recent weeks. In the Netherlands, this has already led to fertilizer factory Yara in Zeeland shutting down a large part of the factory. Nyrstar’s zinc factory in Budel, North Brabant, is also shut down.
Aluminum factory Delfzijl is now added. That factory is one of the largest energy consumers in the Netherlands. About 180 of the 200 employees will not be needed on the shop floor for the time being, the company said.
Almost a year ago, Aldel closed its division that makes liquid aluminum. The foundry, which processes purchased aluminum, was still running to this day.
ArcelorMittal also explicitly referred to decreased demand on Friday as a reason to shut down the factories. This is striking, as demand for steel has reached record highs in recent months. According to ArcelorMittal, the economic outlook has deteriorated rapidly of late.
A version of this article also appeared in the newspaper of September 3, 2022