The ESTEP Annual Event 2026 – Paving the Future of EU Steel: Clean Technologies, Smart Steel Products and Applications will take place on 20–22 October 2026 at RodeBol events - CommunicationCampus in Ghent, Belgium.
The event will showcase Europe's latest developments in steel research and innovation, with a strong focus on industrial decarbonisation, circularity, digitalisation and the role of steel in enabling a climate-neutral and resource-efficient energy system.
Researchers, engineers, industry professionals and innovators will come together to discuss technologies and solutions that support the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive European steel sector.
Key topics include:
🏗️ High-performance steels for renewable energy applications
Including offshore wind structures, hydrogen infrastructure, geothermal energy systems and energy grids.
🤖 Predictive modelling and digital metallurgy
Exploring digital twins, AI-based modelling and accelerated design processes.
⚙️ Advanced manufacturing and steel performance
Including forming, welding technologies, lifetime assessment and structural health monitoring.
🌱 Decarbonised steel production
Focusing on low-CO₂ steel grades, hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI), electrified metallurgy and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
♻️ Circular economy and recovery-ready steel products
Addressing reuse, high-purity recycling, traceability and circular design approaches.
⚡ Clean steel processes
Including hydrogen-based steelmaking, electrification and integrated decarbonisation technologies.
Call for Abstracts
Authors wishing to contribute to the programme are invited to submit abstracts for on stage or poster presentations. Abstracts may be up to 500 words or two pages, including figures and references. All abstracts should be sent to ESTEP via e-mail: D.Snaet@estep.eu.
📅 Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2026
Event details
📅 20–22 October 2026
📍 Ghent, Belgium
🏭 Optional visit to the ArcelorMittal Ghent plant on 20 October 2026
🔗 More information will follow.
Whether your work focuses on clean steel technologies, advanced materials, hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation, digital metallurgy or circular manufacturing, the ESTEP Annual Event 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations and connect with stakeholders shaping the future of Europe's steel industry.