Can the steel industry become ecological?

The steel industry plays an important role in Europe’s energy consumption and it is necessary to become ecological. But many say that ecological technologies have been left on the back burner to remain competitive with steel from China.

To explore the best way forward, Horizon organized a debate between Dr. Klaus Peters, Secretary General of the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) and Wendel Trio, Director of Climate Action Network Europe.

What prevents the steel industry from becoming ecological?

Wendel Trio: „When the governments reached the Paris agreement (in December 2015). They have taken on a great challenge to keep (worldwide) the increase in temperature below 2 degrees Celsius and even to limit it to 1.5 C. This challenge is greater for certain sectors than others. There are clear alternatives for the energy sector. Renewable energy, energy efficiency and so on – the path is clear, but for the steel industry it is not.”

„On its own, the steel sector will not reduce the emissions that are necessary in the next 30-40 years. There will be a need for incentives, both in regulation and in financial terms, to support innovation. „

How can we overcome the cost problem?

Klaus Peters: „The steel industry cannot take this cost out of today’s profits, so something has to change. The first step should come from the private sector of the sector.”

WT: „If we talk about costs, there are, of course, the two sides, there is the cost of innovation that companies face. But there is also a cost to inaction. We know that climate change is happening and has a cost. Currently, we lack a way to internalize the cost.”

Is it the competition from some regions, such as China, that prevents the industry from having a more ecological growth?

KP: „Competitiveness is important, but we are not afraid and rely on our research, development and innovation capabilities, because this is the only chance to always be one step ahead.”

Is it still realistic that the steel industry will achieve the objective of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2050?

KP: „If we reach the full potential of the ULCOS project (a research project funded by the steel industry), it is very realistic.”

Article source: https://horizon-magazine.eu/article/horizon-steel-debate-can-industry-go-green_en.html