Energy prices: industry, jobs under pressure
As large induction systems, the steel furnaces in the Sulzau-Werfen ironworks (Pongau) need a lot of electricity. Nevertheless, one is glad that one does not fire with gas. That would be even more expensive.
Managing Director Georg Hemetsberger says that this affects the entire cost structure: “We are in intensive discussions with our customers about how we will deal with these cost increases. These are steel mills all over the world. We are fortunate that we meet with some understanding here.”
Orders and jobs increasingly questionable
The company cannot afford large price increases for a number of other customers. The international competitiveness of the ironworks is in danger. It is still unclear whether all orders will actually be accepted in the future, emphasizes the manager: “Despite our safeguards, the electricity bill has increased in recent months. We can only pass on a fraction to the customers. The rest goes to the company’s results of operations.”
According to Hemetsberger, a subsidiary in Slovenia is already having to limit production: “If things stay like this, we will reject individual orders. We will not close the plant.”
Lender Alu-Industrie can sell its own electricity
In Lend (Pinzgau), the Salzburg Aluminum Group produces its own electricity – from hydropower from the Gasteiner Ache, which flows into the Salzach river right next to the plant.
SAG only needs a fraction of the energy produced here for aluminum smelting. the company benefits at times, says managing director Nikolaus Holub: “We have our electricity from our own power plant and also feed part of it into the network of the association.”
Few enjoy such benefits as self-generated electricity. Not only the Salzburg industry is therefore demanding massive political support.
Industry misses political commitment
Georg Hemetsberger from Eisenwerk Sulzau-Werfen says that there have been a few simplifications in terms of fees and charges: “But in relation to electricity prices, they are far too little. It is necessary to think about further solutions. So that companies continue to benefit and remain safe employers.”
Round table without results
According to experts, it is still unclear what the black-green federal government will do, whether it will do anything at all. On Sunday, Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) invited to a round table to “discuss” the fuel price and energy problem. Concrete results have not yet been announced.