EPICO KlimaInnovation has published a new comprehensive policy report outlining actionable recommendations for decarbonising the EU steel industry. The paper aims to equip EU policymakers and industry leaders with pragmatic strategies to drive the transformation of one of Europe's most emission-intensive sectors.
The iron and steel industry is a major contributor to EU emissions, and decarbonising it is crucial for achieving Europe's climate goals. However, there is still both no demand for green steel and no production of green hydrogen. Additionally, the sector faces significant challenges, including high electricity costs, low demand and competition from cheaper imports.
EPICO’s report offers a blueprint for creating a financially viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable roadmap for Europe's steel industry.
It focuses on five key pillars:
- Ensuring access to affordable, low-carbon electricity
- Accelerating hydrogen adoption for the ironmaking process
- Enhancing steel circularity: reduce, reuse, recycle
- Developing lead markets for low-emission steel through public procurement and standardisation
- Engaging with the global dimensions of steel decarbonisation
EPICO conducted two stakeholder workshops in Brussels (19–20 March 2024) and Berlin (25 April 2024), engaging over 50 representatives from EU institutions, industry, civil society, and academia. These discussions provided valuable insights that have shaped the 15 policy recommendations presented in the report.