The metalworking industry in Düsseldorf receives significant visibility and aid by the presence of METEC, one of the world’s premier trade fairs for metallurgy and steel production. The event spotlights new trends regularly and the biggest one in recent years has been the shift toward climate-neutral steel production. Industry giants, including Primetals, Tenova, and SMS group, presented cutting-edge technologies and strategic pathways aimed at decarbonizing steel, which is a pivotal step for the sector as it faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Steel production, particularly in the pre-processing phase where pig iron is produced, is notoriously carbon-intensive. Currently, most pig iron is produced in coal-fired blast furnaces, responsible for about 85% of carbon emissions across traditional steel production. To address this, METEC emphasised two core strategies: Carbon Direct Avoidance (CDA) and Carbon Capture and Storage or Utilisation (CCS/CCU). By combining these methods, steel producers are able to significantly cut emissions, either by preventing the release of CO₂ or capturing it and then repurposing it. Decarbonization has not only sparked interest but has become a necessity as major car manufacturers and their suppliers increasingly commit to securing supplies of green steel. This is steel produced using minimal or zero carbon emissions, appealing to industries facing stringent environmental regulations. Düsseldorf’s metalworking industry will benefit from this technology greatly and achieve longevity in its next phase. A similar project, announced at METEC by Primetals in collaboration with Spain’s Hydnum Steel, is set to establish a green steel plant in Puertollano, Spain. This facility will utilise renewable energy and green hydrogen to produce steel with reduced environmental impact. The planned ""mini-mill"" will use a direct reduction process to produce sponge iron, which is then processed into high-strength flat steel for the automotive sector using electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy.