Registration and Coffee

Welcome and Introduction

Transformation of the European Steel lndustry for Carbon Neutrality

The rebuilding of the European steel industry is well underway, with six green hydrogen-direct reduced iron (DRI) projects approved and 11 electric arc furnace (EAF) conversions in progress. Given the long-term projects so far, in combination with bridging technologies introduced at the production sites, it appears that the targeted 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 is now secured. Still, much work remains. The panel will update attendees on the work completed to date and will give an outlook for the mid-term chances and challenges of the transformation.

Moderator: Jürgen Cappel, Managing Director, Cappel Stahl Consulting GmbH

Networking Break

Keynote Presentation

Networking Lunch

Carbon-Free Energy Sources for the European Industry

How are energy-intensive sectors outside steel retooling for net zero? This panel convenes leaders from the aluminum, cement, refractory and lime industries to benchmark strategies, share lessons and assess scale-up pathways. We will examine the roles of green hydrogen, direct electrification, energy efficiency, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), alongside constraints in renewable power supply, H2 infrastructure and process requirements. By benchmarking approaches and economics, we aim to clarify near-term actions, longer-term technology bets and the market signals required to accelerate deployment, and which collaborations can unlock investable decarbonization pathways. 

Moderator: Susanne Michelic, Chair of Ferrous Metallurgy, Montanuniversität Leoben
 
Panelists:

• Alexander Fleischanderl, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Green Steel, Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH
• Lutz Weber, Managing Director, Alpacem
• Representative from RHI Magnesita

Networking Break

Where and How Will Iron Be Made? Rethinking Feedstock and Geography in a Decarbonizing Steel Industry

Decarbonization is fundamentally reshaping both the location and form of iron production. The need to access low-cost, low-carbon energy, suitable raw materials and evolving scrap availability has necessitated the exploration of decoupling ironmaking from steelmaking. Meanwhile, global trade of merchant metallics such as pig iron and hot briquetted iron is expanding. The dominance of DR-grade pellets is under pressure from alternative feedstocks, agglomeration technologies and greater utilization of scrap as both a supplement and potential substitute. This panel will examine where iron will be produced, which feedstocks will prevail and whether merchant iron units can evolve from a niche market into a structural pillar of the global steel industry.

Moderator: Felix Firsbach, Vice President, Badische Stahl-Engineering GmbH

Panelists:

• Thomas Brown, Head of Business Development and Commercial Strategy, Binding Solutions Ltd.
• Gilberto Cardoso, Chief Executive Officer, Tarraco Commodities
• Representative from Montanuniversität Leoben 

Reception

Orchestra Concert

Registration and Coffee

Welcome

Industry Leader Panel 

Europe’s steel industry is confronting myriad challenges, from weak demand in key sectors including construction, automotive and manufacturing, alongside persistent global overcapacity and intensifying import competition. Producers are also navigating a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by decarbonization mandates, carbon border measures, trade and tariff protections, energy cost volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty. At the same time, companies on both sides of the Atlantic continue to invest in next-generation technologies and resilient supply chains to secure long-term competitiveness. In this session, senior industry leaders from Europe and North America will share perspectives on the market outlook, policy environment, investment priorities and the opportunities and challenges that will define the future of the global steel industry.

Moderator: John Ball, General Manager — Commercial, AIST

Panelists:

• Representative from Acciaierie Bertoli Safau S.p.A.
• Representative from Arvedi Group

Networking Break

Women Shaping the Future of Steel: Leadership and Transformation in Europe

The global steel industry is navigating a period of significant transformation driven by decarbonization, digitalization, geopolitical uncertainty and evolving workforce expectations. As companies position themselves for long-term competitiveness, leadership diversity and cross-functional collaboration are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the industry. This fireside chat will bring together influential women leaders from across the steel value chain to discuss leadership, innovation, organizational transformation and workforce development within the global steel sector. Panelists will share perspectives on leading through change, building resilient organizations and fostering inclusive cultures that support innovation, collaboration and long-term industry growth.

Moderator: Maria Elena Fabiani, Chief Executive Officer, SIME S.r.l.

Networking Lunch

Execution Strategies for Large-Scale Steel Projects 

Europe’s steel industry faces major challenges as it undertakes bold investments in new technologies and greenfield projects, alongside immediate improvements to existing operations. These efforts unfold amid rising political risks and market uncertainty — conditions that heighten the risk of failure. Still, demands for greater efficiency, quality and environmental performance remain non-negotiable. Is there a “philosopher’s stone” for successful project execution? This session features courageous investors, seasoned advisors and forward-thinking developers sharing how they confront and mitigate project risks in today’s volatile landscape. 

Moderator: Alberto Perin, Executive Vice President — Sales, Danieli

Networking Break

Innovation in Plant Design

Innovation has long been a hallmark of steelmaking, and breakthrough technologies such as the newest generation of EAF and basic oxygen furnace, thin-slab casting and hydrogen-based direct reduction have propelled material quality, efficiency and sustainability. Today, AI-enabled processes and equipment could unlock even greater improvements. 
In this panel, representatives of the leading technology suppliers will highlight the innovations that they are developing to lower carbon emissions, improve safety and expand capabilities.

Moderator: Mauro Bianchi Ferri, Managing Director, Acciarium Srl

Panelists:

• Cristian Cattalini, Vice President, Steelmaking Center of Competence, SMS group
• Harald Holzgruber, Chief Executive Officer, President and Managing Director, INTECO melting and casting technologies GmbH
• Rolando Paolone, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Danieli
• Fabrizio Pere, Executive Vice President – Downstream Business, Tenova S.p.A.
• Gerald Wimmer, Vice President Converter Steelmaking, Primetals Technologies Austria GmbH

Program Concludes 

Bus Departs for Gala Dinner

Gala Dinner, Nonino Distillatori

Plant Tours

• Acciaierie Bertoli Safau S.p.A. (ABS) and The Pittini Group 

• Arvedi Group,Trieste

*Please note program times and content are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit AIST.org/ESF.