The steel industry, one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions both globally and in Japan, has long been regarded as a “hard-to-abate” sector. In recent years, however, technological development has been advancing, government support policies have been launched, and efforts toward decarbonization are becoming increasingly visible around the world. At the same time, there are growing concerns that progress in hydrogen-based steelmaking has slowed, partly due to the reassessment of hydrogen production projects.
In this seminar, we will explore the latest global developments — not only in technology and production, but also in areas such as the promotion of trade in direct reduced iron (DRI), the establishment of low-carbon steel standards, and demand-side initiatives. Through these discussions, we aim to gain an overview of global trends, examine Japan’s challenges and opportunities, and consider how end users and downstream actors should respond.
We are pleased to welcome leading international experts at the forefront of steel decarbonization. In particular, Sameen Khan from the Climate Group, who leads the SteelZero Initiative promoting demand for low-carbon steel products, will join the event in person. A networking session will follow the seminar. We warmly invite you to attend on site and take part in the discussion.
Event Details
| Date / Time | Tuesday 18 November 2025 /15:00-17:00 JST（doors open at 14:30） *Networking reception to follow for onsite participants |
|---|---|
| Co-organized by | Renewable Energy Institute Climate Group |
| In Cooperation with | Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) |
| Admission | Free（prior registration required） |
| Event format | (1) Onsite IINO Hall & Conference, Room A Access (2) Virtual (webcasted via Zoom) |
| Registration | Select either onsite OR virtual participation. (1) Onsite Onsite Registration First come, first served. You will receive your registration certificate from "conference@renewable-ei.org" upon completion of your registration (2) Virtual Virtual Registration You will receive a link from "no-reply@zoom.us" upon completion of your registration |
Program As of 4 November. Program and speakers are subject to change. Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available.
[MC] Erik Goto Researcher, Renewable Energy Institute
| Session 1 Latest Global Developments in Steel Decarbonization ・Global updates on low-carbon steelmaking Wido Witecka Steel Decarbonization Consultant Ysanne Choksey Global Lead Steel Transition, Agora Industry ・Low carbon steel standards ResponsibleSteel ・Developments on the demand side Sameen Khan Senior Manager, Steel, Climate Group |
|
Session 2 Japan’s Current Situation |
|
Panel Discussion A Turning Point for the Steel Industry: How Should End Users Respond? |
| Networking |
