The Steel Circularity Conference 2024 occurred on October 23, in Linz, Austria. It brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of steel production and its transition toward a circular economy. The event featured insightful talks with key figures who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this transformative journey. More than one hundred guests attended the conference in person, while 200 joined online.
Primetals Technologies hosted the event at the iconic Tabakfabrik premises in the heart of Linz, Austria. Linz, the “Steel City” and home to Primetals Technologies Austria, is uniquely positioned to function as a meeting point between various industries related to steel production in Central Europe.
Bridging Industry Gaps
Today, heavy industry is undergoing sustainable transformations. Key stakeholders recognize the interconnectedness and shared innovations across these sectors have often been challenging. The Steel Circularity Conference addressed this by bringing together representatives from seven European countries, spanning the steel, metal recycling, automotive, and power industries. The event also included governmental organizations, politicians, research and development bodies, and independent funding organizations.
Sustainable Markets
The conference showcased how each aspect of the steel industry’s transformation is interconnected. Discussions on megatrends, e.g., sustainability, set the stage for understanding the broader context in which the industry operates, directly linking to the critical role of high-quality scrap in meeting rising demand. This naturally flowed into insights on producing high-grade steel with EAFs, highlighting the need for optimal raw material use and advanced automation systems. The focus on zero-waste recycling within steel plants complemented the discussions on raw material efficiency, while presentations on digitalization underscored the technological advancements driving these changes. Finally, the challenges and solutions related to power supply and grid management tied back to the overarching theme of creating a sustainable and resilient steel industry through integrated efforts.
Driving Meaningful Change
The Steel Circularity Conference 2024 emphasized the comprehensive approach necessary for the steel industry’s sustainable transformation. Esteemed speakers highlighted the critical roles of technological innovation, regulatory support, and cross-sector synergy.
The panelists addressed topics that were both sequential in the steel value chain and deeply interconnected, building a comprehensive narrative throughout the discussions.
Dr. Barış Çiftçi illuminated the megatrends in the global steel industry, such as climate change, urbanization, and technological advancements. Achim Fetzer outlined the importance of high-quality scrap to meet the increasing demand driven by electric arc furnaces. Dr. Bernd Linzer discussed producing high-grade steel with electric arc furnaces, focusing on the optimal use of raw materials and automation systems. Dr. Thomas Steinparzer stressed the significance of zero-waste recycling within steel plants. Hans-Jürgen Zeiher demonstrated how digitalization can propel the green transformation. Eva Tatschl-Unterberger and Julian Magin addressed the challenges and solutions in the steel sector’s power supply and grid management.
The insights emphasize the need for a holistic strategy combining technology, regulation, and partnerships to ensure a sustainable steel industry.
The focus has moved from optimizing individual processes to integrating industries into a global circular economy. Advancements now combine to create innovative solutions with lasting benefits for the environment and society. This dynamic exchange of ideas will continue driving meaningful change.
Primetals Technologies are grateful to each speaker and attendee for their contributions. Together, by applying our shared knowledge and expertise, we will reach every goal the industry aspires to achieve.
