German industrial group Thyssenkrupp AG (ETR:TKA) is in discussions to transfer part of its steel business, Steel Europe, to Czech energy group Energetický a prumyslový holding, a.s. (EPH), forming a joint venture. The German company said on November 22, 2023 it is ?in constructive and open-ended negotiations with energy company EPH regarding a potential joint venture with Steel Europe that EPH could support with its energy expertise". The specific form of a potential joint venture is the focus of the ongoing negotiations, Thyssenkrupp added.

Thyssenkrupp has already taken steps to achieve climate-neutral steel production. In July, the European Commission authorised the German government to provide state aid of up to EUR 2 billion (USD 2.19 billion) for a decarbonisation project, which involves the construction of a hydrogen-capable direct reduction (DR) plant among others. However, the success of carbon-neutral steel production is largely dependent on the secure provision of large quantities of green energy at competitive prices, Thyssenkrupp said.

Therefore, the company is talking with potential strategic partners in the energy industry.