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The 13th edition of the Stainless Steel World Conference and Exhibition took place from 26th to 28th September in Maastricht, the Netherlands. This highly focused event is specially catered to stainless steel professionals from all sides of the industry, from mills and processers to stockists and suppliers, and from end users and engineering companies to consultants and corrosion experts. A staggering number of more than 8100 participants, including 370 Conference Delegates, demonstrates the huge success delivered by this event.

Being one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world, which brings vast increases in energy demand and emissions, India has been taking considerable steps to ensure GHG emissions reduction in various sectors. Seeing as India is the second-largest producer of steel (International Energy Agency), decarbonisation of the Indian steel industry will be key for achieving the country´s net-zero targets. By bringing together key stakeholders from the government, downstream, and the steel industry to discuss the challenges and solutions necessary to achieve an equitable and just transition in India, ResponsibleSteel once again demonstrated the role of its International Standard in impacting policy, finance, and energy transition to accelerate decarbonisation. On 22 July ResponsibleSteel hosted a critical meeting at the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial in Goa, India.

According to the World Economic Forum, the demand for steel is bound to increase by more than a third by 2050. Along with steel´s importance for core infrastructure, we must acknowledge its importance in achieving a global transition to a clean energy economy and zero-emission targets. New Zealand (Aotearoa) is actively participating in this transition. The GSW editorial team had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Troy Coyle, CEO of HERA, a New Zealand-based independent research association that supports research in heavy engineering with a focus on structural steel. To have a better grasp of HERA´s mission and New Zealand´s potential for decarbonisation, Green Steel World sat down with Dr. Coyle for an informative conversation.

It is common knowledge that producing steel is highly carbon intensive. According to the most recent International Energy Agency reports, global steel production continues to be dominated by conventional process routes. Significant changes in steel production pathways are needed to stay true to the net zero goals. While many stakeholders may have turned their attention to the implementation of (green) hydrogen, CCU, and CCS, another viable solution might be waiting just around the corner: biocoke.

After spending a lifetime working with metals, Rutger Gyllenram is as committed as ever to make a positive contribution to the steel industry. At the same time, he is equally determined to speak his mind on controversial topics. In a free-flowing interview, Mr Gyllenram shares some frank observations about the challenges to be expected during steel’s green transition.

Let’s imagine for a moment the future. Will it simply be a deterioration from today? Not only from a statistical point of view, but also in terms of our daily lives, the result of the massive environmental changes we are witnessing today? There is actually only one possible path: that of a complete transformation of the global industrial model. Such a transformation must be in line with the sustainable awakening of consumers and work to find new, clean means of production that do not harm the planet.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that no effort directed towards decarbonisation is redundant. We have seen great progress across civil society, business, and politics; however, more time and effort are needed for the set net-zero targets to appear on the horizon. Climate Catalyst is fully aware of the current state of affairs. Members of its team are working tirelessly to raise public consciousness and stimulate the political agenda. With a current focus on Asia and Europe, they seek to mobilize different stakeholders to accelerate progress towards steel decarbonisation.

With over 25 years of experience in management, sales, marketing, product management, engineering and project execution, Joachim von Schéele is a flag carrier for sustainability. Based in Munich, Germany, as Linde´s Global Director Commercialization, Dr. von Schéele’s particular strength is on decarbonisation using hydrogen-related solutions. With a vast experience in both steel research and consultancy, he regularly advises on how to proceed with the green agenda. The GSW editorial team grabbed the opportunity to sit down with Mr. von Schéele who kindly gave us valuable insight into the importance of being cooperative, understanding and positive but also realistic.

Given the importance of hydrogen and its potential role within the green agenda, the US is making the logical next step. By releasing the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, the Biden-Harris Administration has laid the groundwork for taking further measures to make renewable hydrogen an effective decarbonisation tool. The GSW editorial team has prepared an overview of hydrogen and the latest information on the Strategy and Roadmap.

The European Union is continuing its effort to fight global warming and become a net zero continent by 2050. By agreeing to the world’s first Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in December 2022, the European Parliament and the EU Member states have once again attempted to confirm the region’s reputation as a global climate leader.