The steel industry accounts for around 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making its decarbonization essential to achieving carbon neutrality. Around the world, particularly in Europe, efforts to produce low-carbon steel are gaining momentum. At the same time, an important challenge remains: how to make the value of low-carbon steel visible and create market mechanisms that encourage buyers to actively choose it.
In addition to supply-side measures such as subsidies and tax incentives to support changes in production processes, demand-side momentum is also building. Policies such as green public procurement are beginning to take shape, and leading companies are advancing voluntary efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions. In Japan, government-led initiatives to stimulate both supply and demand for low-carbon steel have begun, but demand-driven action is still at an early stage.
This seminar explored these global developments and considered how demand for low-carbon steel can be expanded in Japan.
Program Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation available.
[MC] Erik Goto Researcher, Renewable Energy Institute
| Introduction Yuko Nishida Senior Manager, Climate Change, Renewable Energy Institute DL Presentation 1 Establishment of a New Demand-led Platform in Asia and Japan DL Kyle Clark-Sutton Principal, Climate-Aligned Industries Program, RMI Ariane DesRosiers Associate, Climate-Aligned Industries, RMI Maeve Masterson Associate, Climate-Aligned Industries, RMI Presentation 2 SteelZero Activities and Global Trends Sameen Khan Senior Manager, Steel, Climate Group DL Presentation 3 Policy Development in Japan and Future Prospects Yuko Nishida Renewable Energy Institute DL Panel Discussion Expanding Green Markets in the Steel Industry Kyle Clark-Sutton RMI Sameen Khan Climate Group Manabu Nabeshima Director, Metal Industries Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Kae Takase Senior Manager, Climate Change, Renewable Energy Institute DL [Moderator] Yuko Nishida Renewable Energy Institute |
Event Details
| Date & Time | Wednesday 13 May 2026 / 14:30-17:00* *A Networking reception was held after the seminar |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free, prior registration required |
| Event Format | 1) Onsite IINO Hall & Conference, Room A 2) Virtual webcasted via Zoom |
| Organized by | Renewable Energy Institute |
| Co-organizers | RMI, Climate Group |
| In Cooperation with | Japan Climate Initiative (JCI) Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP) |
About RMI
A U.S. think tank that established a demand-side–driven ‘Sustainable Steel Buyers Platform’ in North America to create demand for low-carbon steel, an initiative that has attracted international attention.
About SteelZero
SteelZero is an initiative led by the Climate Group’s steel program, which also drives RE100, a global initiative with many participating companies in Japan. SteelZero aims to create demand for low-carbon steel through corporate procurement commitments.
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Special Contents Page Heavy Industry Decarbonization, Steel Industry section
