This report presents a systematic assessment of 30 innovative techniques/processes in the Iron and Steel (IS) sector for depollution, decarbonisation, resource efficiency and circularity. The work is carried out by INCITE under Article 27a of the Industrial Emissions Directive, following an integrated approach for assessing the technique’s degree of maturity (i.e. Technology Readiness Level), environmental performance (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions reduction, air/water emissions reduction, energy consumption, circularity), cost effectiveness and cross media effects. Eighteen techniques with high degree of maturity which could provide significant environmental benefits, are proposed to be considered in the forthcoming review of the Iron and Steel Best Available Techniques Reference Document (IS BREF) (commencing in 2026). The report provides information on the deployment of key decarbonisation routes. Between 2026 and 2030, approximately 17 Mt yr⁻¹ of direct reduced iron production capacity (eight plants) together with about 35 Mt yr⁻¹ of new electric arc furnace steelmaking capacity (sixteen plants) is confirmed, marking a decisive shift of the EU steel industry towards both hydrogen steelmaking and electrification / steel scrap recycling. These findings support the EU’s zero pollution ambition and the 2030/2040 climate targets, providing sound technical information which can be used for developing stronger environmental norms (BAT conclusions) for the IS sector in Europe.

ARIES Eric;  RETSOULIS Ioannis;  GONZALEZ CUENCA Jose; 

2026-05-18

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC146558

978-92-68-39643-8 (online),   

1831-9424 (online),   

EUR 40713,    OP KJ-01-26-194-EN-N (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC146558,   

10.2760/0251420 (online),