ArcelorMittal Belgium aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2050. To achieve this, we are deliberately adopting a combined approach, pursuing multiple solutions simultaneously rather than relying on just one. This combination of groundbreaking innovations and continuous improvements is built on three pillars:
- Energy efficiency
We reduce energy losses, increase the use of scrap, reuse residual heat, and invest in renewable energy.
- Smart use of carbon
We are committed to smart carbon projects, technologies that reduce or reuse carbon emissions:
- Capturing and safely storing CO₂ (Carbon Capture & Storage or CCS). In early November 2025, we signed a joint declaration with other major industries and the Flemish and Walloon governments to make CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) feasible and affordable in Belgium. We are also investing in pilot projects such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' CO₂ capture technology.
- Developing ways to reuse carbon (Carbon Capture & Utilization or CCU). Through projects like Torero, which converts waste wood into biocoal, and Steelanol, which transforms CO from steel gases into ethanol, we are giving carbon a second life.
- Green Primary: circularity and electrification
Green Primary is our strategic project to reduce carbon emissions in steel production. We are moving away from the traditional blast furnace route and are gradually switching to electric arc furnaces (EAF), and later to direct reduced iron (DRI).
Why an electric furnace?
- No more coal, but more recycled steel (scrap).
- Lower CO₂ emissions and fewer other emissions such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides.
We want to start with the construction of one electric furnace, but the final investment decision depends on a number of preconditions:
- Effective trade protection against unfair steel imports.
- A functioning mechanism for carbon border adjustment (CBAM) to protect European companies.
- Competitive electricity costs.
- Investment support for decarbonization projects.
- Government measures to stimulate demand for green steel.
We continue to actively discuss this with Belgian and European authorities.
