Executives from Acciaierie Bertoli Safau, ArcelorMittal and Steel Dynamics discussed how the steel industry can cut emissions while remaining competitive on the second day of the European Steel Forum in Udine. They identified affordable energy, access to raw materials, resilient supply chains and technological development as key conditions for the transition.
The forum was held on October 27–28 and organized by AIST (Association for Iron & Steel Technology) in collaboration with Danieli. The panel included Marco Di Giacomo, CEO of Acciaierie Bertoli Safau; Jean Arribe, Group CTO Steelmaking Expert at ArcelorMittal; and Yury Krotov, Vice President of Long Products Steel Operations at Steel Dynamics. AIST’s John Ball moderated the discussion.
Competitiveness depends on the entire value chain
Participants stressed that the future of European steel is closely linked to the industries that use its products. Safeguard measures can support producers in the medium term, but the sector needs lasting competitiveness to thrive over the long term.
“We need to understand how competitive we are against the Middle East, Asia and India, and how we can support downstream industries. If Europe lacks an adequate supply of downstream products, the region’s manufacturing capabilities will decline,” Di Giacomo said.
Krotov said manufacturing is regaining strategic importance in the United States and has room to grow. He argued that the image of steelmaking as an industry reliant on outdated methods overlooks the ongoing development of technologies and processes.
Europe and the US look for common ground
Trade relations between Europe and the US remain complicated. Arribe said the sides should avoid trying to settle every issue at once and instead make gradual progress, for example through mutual recognition of certifications and more consistent standards for low-carbon steel. Di Giacomo called for common interests to be re-established, while acknowledging that the sides remain far apart.
Krotov sees shared free-market principles, the preservation of manufacturing supply chains and technological expertise as a basis for cooperation. “When a non-free economy enters the picture, you need measures to protect your system. I believe the US has a lot in common with Europe, Canada and Mexico, including a manufacturing and innovation base that we need to support,” he said.
Scrap becomes a strategic resource
The shift to electric-arc furnaces is increasing the importance of reliable scrap supplies. Steelmakers are expanding ferrous and non-ferrous recycling and developing vertical integration, while European authorities are paying closer attention to raw-material availability. How to ensure sufficient supplies for the continent’s industry remains an open question.
Arribe said changing production methods are also altering sourcing requirements. Investments in mineral resources help secure supplies for blast furnaces, but low-emission processes also require additional sources of the materials they need.
Energy, infrastructure and new technologies
Plant resilience depends not only on companies’ own decisions but also on the condition of power grids and other infrastructure. Di Giacomo said producers can prepare for disruption, but have fewer options when failures affect external systems. Europe’s electrification drive must account for electricity costs and the ability of grids to manage changing patterns of consumption and generation. Di Giacomo also raised concerns about the impact of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on some ferroalloys.
ArcelorMittal reduces risks by diversifying suppliers geographically, sharing expertise across the group and managing port infrastructure. Steel Dynamics’ strategy includes long-term nuclear power purchase agreements, investment in renewables and projects at its plants.
The companies are also adopting artificial intelligence. Acciaierie Bertoli Safau is exploring its use in analysis and decision-making, including work on its new plant. ArcelorMittal is testing chatbots to help operators troubleshoot problems, as well as tools for searching internal information. One project uses the expertise of an employee approaching retirement to train a system that can help onboard younger colleagues.
Krotov added that digitalization could help attract younger generations by showcasing opportunities in AI, automation and the Internet of Things. The introduction of new tools, he said, should be accompanied by clear rules for their use.
Forum participants said decarbonization and innovation depend on the wider industrial system: access to energy and raw materials, reliable infrastructure and workforce skills. Maintaining a strong manufacturing value chain remains a priority for Europe.
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