Interview Carolin Nadilo, CFO of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies

"Clear objectives, no compromises and lots of communication — this is the recipe for a successful transformation.”

Last year, thyssenkrupp established a new business segment— Decarbon Technologies. Here, the globally operating manufacturing group bundles its green transformation and energy transition businesses. In the past financial year, right from the start, the division increased its sales by twelve percent despite the difficult market environment. The portfolio includes innovative technologies, products and services with a focus on hydrogen, cement, ammonia and renewable energies. All business units are currently running specific transformation programs tailored to the particular challenges of their markets. In this interview, Carolin Nadilo, Chief Finance Officer at thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies, talks about the challenges of a changing market, the company's strategic direction and the success factors for a sustainable transformation in an uncertain economic environment.

Can you briefly explain the divisions Decarbon Technologies consists of?

NADILO Decarbon Technologies is the parent company of four independent business units whose products help our customers around the world to achieve their climate goals. We are one of the leading manufacturers of slewing bearings. These are high-performance components that are used in wind turbines, solar plants and tidal power plants, among other things. We also have two plant construction businesses that specialize in engineering. One specializes in chemical technologies such as ammonia production and the other in cement production, including new processes for CO2 capture. And last but not least, we hold a majority in thyssenkrupp nucera, one of the leading suppliers of electrolysis technology, which is used to produce green hydrogen.  

Given the political change in the USA, you may get the impression that decarbonization and climate protection are falling off companies’ agenda. Does this concern you?

NADILO In the short term, political uncertainty is leading to a change in the dynamics of investment decisions. While individual programms and subsidies are slowing down or being postponed, the long-term decarbonization of the industry remains an absolute necessity—and not just economically. Regardless of political cycles, companies will be forced to adapt to rising CO2 prices, changing regulatory requirements and changing market conditions. Nevertheless, we can critically question the extent to which the often-predicted exponential market growth path for green technologies is realistic or whether structural obstacles—such as high investment costs, inadequate infrastructure or a shortage of skilled workers—are slowing the pace. To meet these challenges, we are focusing on the geographical diversification of our business activities and a modular and standardized supply strategy. By entering new markets, we are reducing our dependence on individual political decisions. We work closely with our customers to develop individual financing solutions that simplify the transition to decarbonization. This forms the basis for sustainable profitable growth at Decarbon Technologies.