Steel giant ArcelorMittal is urging German authorities to support its green transformation by ensuring competitive energy prices and sufficient hydrogen for its planned €2.5 billion investment in decarbonizing steel production. The company emphasizes the need for an industrial policy to reduce costs, facing challenges due to current expenses and future energy and hydrogen price forecasts. ArcelorMittal is focusing on converting blast furnaces to natural gas and later to direct reduction hydrogen furnaces and electric arc furnaces to achieve CO2-neutral steel production. The German Economy Minister defends the country's billions of euros in green transformation subsidies for the steel industry to maintain regional industries and steel supplies, despite criticism from economists advocating for restructuring and potential relocation of energy-intensive industries. The minister argues that steel production is crucial for the stability of the economy and democracy, preventing populist movements from exploiting economic discontent. Recent data shows a growth in steel production in Germany, underlining the industry's significance for the country's economic development and stability.