06 March 2025 12:30 – 16:30
Press Club, Rue Froissart 95, Brussels
The European Commission has outlined ambitious legislative proposals, including the Clean Industrial Deal and the Steel and Metals Action Plan, to establish an enabling framework for industries to decarbonise while navigating the complexities of an increasingly competitive global landscape. Yet, critical challenges remain. Hydrogen, the indispensable cornerstone for achieving near-zero emissions in ore-based steel production, is not being produced at scale, with key projects facing cancellations. Concurrently, shrinking demand, escalating competition, and persistently high energy prices are leading to mothballed steel mills and delayed decarbonisation strategies. Achieving the transition of all current BF-BOF production to H2-DRI would necessitate approximately 300 TWh of fossil-free electricity—posing an unprecedented transformative challenge for the industry.
Against this backdrop, national and EU policymakers must address policy inefficiencies and forge a cohesive vision of resilience and competitiveness. This panel discussion will explore how to reconcile the decarbonisation of ore- and scrap-based steelmaking considering fiscal realities, strategic priorities, employment imperatives, and geopolitical considerations.
Programme of the day
12:30 - 13:00 Registration and Lunch |
13:00 - 13:05 Welcome remarks by Julian Parodi, Policy Specialist, EPICO KlimaInnovation |
13:05 - 13:15 Keynote Speech: "The importance of Steelmaking for the EU and the potential of the Clean Industrial Deal" |
13:15 - 14:15 Panel Discussion: “What does resilience mean for primary steelmaking and how much hydrogen is needed?” |
14:15 - 14:30 Coffee Break |
14:30 - 15:30 Panel Discussion: “How to ensure the shift to Electric Steelmaking while Maximising Scrap Use?” |
15:30 - 15:40 Closing remarks by Bernd Weber, CEO, EPICO KlimaInnovation |
15:40 - 16:30 Networking reception and drinks |