Eurofer: European steel industry awaits EU action on net zero technologies and carbon capture

However, Eurofer is calling on EU authorities to seize the opportunity to promote carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in Europe.

Eurofer General Manager Axel Eggert stated that net zero technologies will play an important role in steel production and said, "Net zero technologies such as wind, solar and hydrogen electrolyzers are all dependent on steel, and an estimated more than 74 million tons of steel are needed just to expand EU renewable resources."

However, the fact that hydrogen and electricity-based technologies used for the conversion of existing steel facilities are not included in the Net Zero Industry Law is met with concern by Eurofer. Eurofer states that this will be excluded from the new rules that simplify permitting procedures for low-carbon steel technologies. Eurofer points out that this situation may cause delays in the transition process of the steel industry.

Eurofer emphasizes that it is important to establish a well-functioning CCUS value chain in the negotiations between the European Council and the Parliament, especially in the preparation of storage, transportation network and financing areas. He also believes that for the steel industry to make a successful transition, markets must be found to create demand for low-carbon products and that the EU must support green markets with ambitious sustainability criteria to reward environmentally sustainable production.