Commission played a role in devising the report on the execution of the program.

In the heart of the industrial city of Luenen, Germany, a significant stride towards a greener future has been made. Aurubis AG, a leading global metals company, has announced plans for a new air separation plant and steam storage facility as part of the ongoing modernization and development of its site in the city.

The new air separation plant, scheduled for completion in 2026, is estimated to cost around 40 million euros. Upon its completion, it could eliminate up to 3,000 annual truck deliveries of liquid oxygen, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This investment is a testament to the partnership between Aurubis AG and the city of Luenen, and a sign of the company's commitment to innovation and investment in the city.

The new steam storage facility, which was invested in by Aurubis AG in September 2025, is also part of this development. Located on the Aurubis AG site, it is a crucial component in the efficient operation of the air separation plant. The investment in this facility is significant in times of economic and societal uncertainty, according to Mayor Jürgen Kleine-Frauns.

Luenen, with companies like Aurubis and Remondis, has developed into a strong industrial hub. The ongoing developments at the Aurubis AG site are viewed as an example of partnership-like cooperation between the municipality and industry. The city sees these developments as a testament to its status as an indispensable hub of the circular economy, particularly in Europe.

Aurubis AG has also demonstrated its commitment to climate-friendly development of metal production with an investment of around 10 million euros. The company's ongoing development of the plant is seen as an example of how investments and innovations can coexist, especially in times of economic and societal uncertainty.

In a related development, Evonik, another major company, has planned to build a new oxygen separation plant in Lünen in 2026 with an investment volume of approximately 40 million euros. This plant could save 8,500 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

The city of Luenen views these developments as a positive sign, with Mayor Jürgen Kleine-Frauns stating that Aurubis AG is a stabilizing factor for the city. The investments in the new air separation plant and steam storage facility are considered a demonstration of the bond between the city of Luenen and industry.

These advancements in Luenen underscore the potential for industrial cities to lead the way in sustainable development and the circular economy, setting a strong example for other cities to follow.

Commission played a role in devising the report on the execution of the program.