It is hard to imagine a world without steel. But still many try to see it without coking coal, unwittingly undermining this raw material critical for the economy. While research on alternative steel-making technologies are carried out, for now the only cost-effective method of producing steel is the blast furnace alloy of coke and iron ore.

Steel industry is one of the key sectors for European economy as it provides 2.5 million of jobs. While it is responsible for 2% of the total EU production, the value of the steel production is over 120 billion euro per year. The steel industry has a significant impact on key economy sectors like: automotive, shipbuilding, construction or household appliances, but also on fast emerging innovative low-emission economy.

European transformation towards low-emission industry will result in an increasing demand for environmentally friendly products, like electric cars or wind mills in the upcoming years. Therefore the demand for steel will also increase. Taking into account the increasing demand for steel, the importance of a reliable supply of coking coal will be crucial.

Furthermore, the coke-making and steel industry are making constant efforts to meet the requirements of the climate policy, which would be impossible without a strong R&D base. Innovations, not only are the key solutions for further emissions reductions, but can also contribute to the global energy transition. Therefore, the industry is closely involved in development of new technologies like: tar processing, hydrogen separation and usage, or CCU.