GreenSteel Construction Project in Saarbrücken: Impacts on Urban Planning and the Environment

GreenSteel Construction Project in Saarbrücken: A Key Decision for Industry and the Environment

In March 2026, an important decision was made in Saarlouis that will shape the future of the Roden industrial area and the development of green steel production in the region. The Committee for Urban Planning and Construction unanimously approved the construction of two assembly and storage areas for Dillinger Hütte's GreenSteel project. This in-depth blog article explores the background, decision-making processes, and potential consequences of this construction measure.

Project Overview and Planning Background

Dillinger Hütte plans to build an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and a Direct Reduction Plant (DRI) at its site in Dillingen. As part of this transformation into green steel production, the creation of assembly and storage areas in the Roden industrial area is necessary. Areas 12a and 12b cover a total of 81,488 m² and will serve as intermediate material storage for the construction of the facilities.

Area 12a (approximately 30,300 m²) and 12b (approximately 51,500 m²) are located between Henry-Ford- and Carl-Zeiss Streets and are connected via the existing site access of Rhenus LMS GmbH. The construction work includes the removal of the topsoil, land modeling, and the installation of a frost protection and gravel load-bearing layer.

Area 12a slightly exceeds the permissible floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.70 and therefore requires an exemption under § 68 Abs. 2 LBO. Area 12b, however, is within the permissible FAR.

Environmental and Noise Pollution: How Critical Are the Impacts?

The committee's decision is based on a comprehensive assessment of environmental and noise pollution. According to the available reports, the impacts on climate, soil, and water balance are low. The drainage concepts for both areas meet legal requirements, and no significant dust pollution is expected.

The noise pollution caused by construction machinery and loading/unloading traffic is considered acceptable. The emission limit values of the AVV-Baulärm (Construction Noise Ordinance) are met at all relevant receptor points. Construction work is mainly limited to daytime hours, and no acoustic protection measures are required.

Another critical issue is the impact on trees. On Area 12a, 145 trees that fall under the Tree Protection Ordinance must be felled. A 1:1 replacement planting is planned. In addition, measures to protect reptile and dormouse populations are planned, such as the installation of reptile fences and dormouse boxes.

Traffic Impacts and Planning Security

The transport of construction machinery and materials will take place via Henry-Ford Street. Approximately 105 truck trips per day are planned, corresponding to about 1.25 % of the minimum road capacity. The traffic will not interfere with the intersection areas, and no traffic congestion on public roads is expected.

The planning also takes into account traffic relief through the use of the existing site access. The construction period is estimated at approximately 7 weeks, with the most intensive work taking place during the day.

Outlook: A Bridge to Green Industry?

The approval of the GreenSteel construction project marks a milestone in the transformation of the steel industry in the region. The creation of the assembly and storage areas is a necessary step to implement green steel production in Dillingen. At the same time, the decision shows how delicate the balance between industrial development and environmental and noise protection can be.

Looking ahead, it will be important to observe how the construction measures are actually implemented and whether the promises made in advance regarding environmental and noise protection are kept. In addition, the question remains whether the reclamation after completion of the construction phase will actually lead to an ecological improvement.

The decision by the Committee for Urban Planning and Construction in Saarlouis shows that it is possible to combine industrial progress with ecological and social aspects – provided that the planning is careful and transparent.