EFRS 2026 Panel Explores Green Steel Definitions, CBAM Challenges, and Low-Carbon Production Costs

A panel at the EFRS 2026 International Iron and Steel Symposium tackled key issues in the steel industry's green transition. Experts from the World Steel Association, Emsteel, and ResponsibleSteel discussed that green steel does not mean zero carbon, but rather a spectrum of low-carbon production with emissions between 50 and 400 kg of CO2 per tonne depending on scrap content and process. The panel also examined the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism as both a climate tool and a potential trade barrier, noting practical challenges in verifying foreign producers' emissions claims. Customer demand for green steel is currently driven more by compliance and risk management than voluntary preference, with price, quality, and delivery still dominating purchasing decisions. The panel stressed that decarbonization goals must be balanced with energy security, supply chain resilience, and competitive input costs. Panelists called for sharing premium costs across the value chain and highlighted the importance of energy efficiency and short-term decarbonization initiatives as near-term priorities for the industry.