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‘A Regulatory Framework for CO2-Lean Steel Produced in Europe’
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With supportive conditions in place, notably a regulatory framework and infrastructures, the European steel industry will be enabled and be fully committed to contributing to the achievement of the EU’s long-term climate objectives. We would be enabled to developing, upscaling and rolling out of new technologies that could reduce our sector’s CO2 emissions by 2050 by at least 80 to 95% compared to 1990 levels.
The steel sectors in other regions of the world will follow this path, if the EU demonstrates that the decarbonisation of the sector is possible without it losing competitiveness or market share as a result of CO2 abatement cost. This is of particular importance for the protection of the earth’ climate because global steel production represents a significant share – about 7% – of the world’s anthropogenic CO2 emissions. World steel production is even forecasted to grow from 1.7 billion tonnes in 2018 to 2.8 billion tonnes in 2050. It is also unlikely that steel scrap could satisfy global steel demand before the end of the century. It is therefore essential that both primary and secondary steel production are being advanced by the EU to meet the climate objectives.
The Commission’s Strategic Vision “A Clean Planet for all” indicates that deep CO2 emissions reductions in the steel sector are possible through a combination of technological pathways, including steel recycling, carbon capture utilisation and storage, process integration, and
electricity/hydrogen-based metallurgy. At the same time, the Commission document confirms that the steel sector is the most exposed to carbon leakage among all energy-intensive industries, both in terms of possible impact on output and on investment.
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Brussels, 25 July 2024 – Major indicators in the European steel market show a steeper-than-expected downward trend, further impacting the outlook for this year and the next. Poor demand conditions, driven by ongoing factors such as high energy prices, persistent inflation, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, are exacerbated by a manufacturing crisis affecting the largest steel-using sectors, including construction and automotive. According to EUROFER’s latest Economic and Steel Market Outlook, apparent steel consumption is further deteriorating. After a slump (-3.1%) in the first quarter of 2024, its rebound for the full year has been revised downwards (to +1.4% from +3.2%), as well as for 2025 (+4.1% from +5.6%). Similarly, output in steel-using sectors, after a decline in the first quarter (-1.9%), is projected to experience a deeper-than-expected recession (-1.6% from -1%). A recovery is anticipated only in 2025 (+2.3%). Steel imports continue to show historically high shares (27%).
Third quarter 2024 report. Data up to, and including, first quarter 2024
Picture Copyright: European Union, 2024 Source: EC - Audiovisual Service
Brussels, 18 July 2024 – The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission paves the way for the continuation of the ambitious initiatives started in her first term. For a stronger and prosperous Europe, defining a pragmatic set of measures within the first 100 days of the new Commission mandate is the right step forward to ensure the success of the EU’s industry transition, if properly implemented. The European Steel Association urges that the Clean Industrial Deal be complemented as a priority by a European Steel Pact, as proposed by the German delegation to the European People’s Party (EPP).