#GreenJobs - Fabian Stremming saves energy for the future

Defrosting the freezer, avoiding standby mode, using the correct lighting - saving energy is more present and important than ever. After all, conscious use of energy can reduce one's costs and protect the environment at the same time.

Especially companies can make a significant difference through consciously using power. Fabian Stremming, energy management officer at thyssenkrupp rothe erde, knows what he needs to do to save energy.

The path to greater sustainability at thyssenkrupp rothe erde

Sustainability is a central element of thyssenkrupp rothe erde's corporate strategy. In recent years, the company has implemented various measures and defined specific targets to reduce CO₂ emissions. In some cases, emissions are to be reduced by 30% by 2030, and the company is to be completely CO₂ neutral by 2045. "To this end, we have drawn up a CO₂ roadmap that is updated every year with specific measures," says Stremming.

Fabian Stremming makes a significant contribution to this. One of his main tasks is to save energy and thus, minimize CO₂ emissions. One of his tasks includes calculating the carbon footprints of thyssenkrupp rothe erde products. Customers can request this and other information from the sales department. "I coordinate the planning of energy-saving measures, lead projects to implement the measures, and am involved in the conceptualization of CO₂-free manufacturing," says Stremming

Corporate sustainability offers a broad spectrum with endless possibilities. So, where do you start to make a company more sustainable? "In terms of CO₂ emissions, measurements and calculations must first be made to be able to evaluate where how much CO₂ is generated," Stremming explains. After that, general measures for improving the company are defined, which are worked out in increasing detail in further steps - right down to the individual product. Some actions can be implemented quickly and require low investment others require long-term planning, implementation, and high investment.

Time to act

Once the sources of emissions have been defined, initial solutions can be developed. Together with his colleagues, Fabian Stremming and his colleagues worked jointly on identifying the areas where the action is needed. The base material steel accounts for a very large proportion of the CO₂ emissions in the slewing bearings from thyssenkrupp rothe erde. However, what would a slewing bearing be without steel? The solution: green steel. "For a CO2-neutral slewing bearing, we need green steel," says Stremming. To achieve this, steel producers, in particular, must act.

The greatest need for action at thyssenkrupp rothe erde itself is in production. "In our ring rolling mill at the Dortmund site we need natural gas to heat the steel and carry out the forming process of the rings, which form the starting product of our slewing bearings," says Stremming. Other process steps use natural gas, too. The goal of Fabian Stremming and his colleagues is to replace fossil fuel with a CO₂-neutral energy source such as green hydrogen or green electricity.

However, this will not work overnight. Before that, many questions have to be asked and answered. "How can we convert our technical plants to hydrogen? Do we have to adapt our manufacturing processes for this? How do we get our hands on the hydrogen supply? And how can we transport our input material and products in a CO₂-neutral way?" says Stremming.

Projects for a more sustainable future

Work is already underway on initial solutions at the thyssenkrupp rothe erde site in Lippstadt. Currently, a pyrolysis plant is being built for raw material recovery and processing. "In the pyrolysis or carbonization process, wood is gasified and two products are created that can help reduce CO₂ emissions: Biochar and heat," explains Fabian Stremming. Biochar, also known as vegetable charcoal, is a component of the EU Fertilizer Regulation and can be reused as a soil conditioner in agriculture. The heat generated during pyrolysis replaces much of the natural gas consumed in Lippstadt. "It can be used to heat production halls and the offices and to heat shower water for employees," says Stremming.

However, thyssenkrupp rothe erde is not only driving energy-saving measures in its own company. "A large part of our sales is generated with slewing bearings for wind turbines," says Stremming. The company is currently investing in the production of slewing bearings for the new generation of offshore wind turbines. "With our plants and our know-how, we will play a role in the expansion of renewable energies all over the world," Stremming explains. An important contribution to supplying industries worldwide with green electricity in the long term.

Making the world a little more sustainable

Sustainability - an exciting and multifaceted topic for many young professionals. How can young talents make a difference and be part of the solution? "You should have an interest in new processes and political developments," explains Fabian Stremming. Due to the constant changes in the field of sustainability, however, a great willingness to learn is a prerequisite that young professionals should bring with them. Young talents can make a big difference in this area and help shape the future from the very beginning. Interested parties can find open positions on our job portal.

Find moreore insights into sustainable processes and technologies at thyssenkrupp in our stories.