ArcelorMittal has maintained its net-zero emissions target for 2050 in its 2025 sustainability report, despite growing challenges related to competitiveness, energy costs, and policy uncertainty.
The company reported a 47.7 percent reduction in absolute emissions since 2018, with carbon intensity reaching 1.79 mt CO₂ per mt of crude steel in 2025.
A central element of the company’s strategy is the shift toward electric arc furnace (EAF)-based production. EAF output accounted for 26 percent of total production in 2025, up from 19 percent in 2018, with plans to add 5.4 million mt of additional EAF capacity by 2030.
Dunkirk project highlights transformation
One of the flagship investments is the transformation of the Dunkirk site in France, where a 2 million mt EAF will replace part of the existing blast furnace capacity.
The project, supported by low-carbon electricity and public funding, is expected to significantly reduce emissions and serve as a model for future decarbonization projects.
Four pillars of decarbonization strategy
The company’s decarbonization pathway is structured around four core levers that together define its transition strategy. These include the expansion of electric arc furnace-based steelmaking to reduce reliance on carbon-intensive blast furnace routes, alongside securing access to clean and renewable electricity to power production processes. In parallel, the company is increasing the use of high-grade iron ore and metallics to improve efficiency and lower emissions intensity. Finally, it continues to invest in breakthrough technologies such as hydrogen-based steelmaking and carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCS/CCU), although the report notes that large-scale deployment of these solutions remains economically challenging at present.
ArcelorMittal expects to reduce emissions intensity by up to 10 percent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels (Scopes 1 and 2), based on projects that have already reached final investment decision.
Capex discipline and energy expansion
Decarbonization investments will be managed within an annual capital expenditure framework of $4.5–5 billion, prioritizing financially viable projects. At the same time, the company is expanding its renewable energy footprint, with 1.6 GW already in operation and additional capacity under development.
ArcelorMittal emphasized that progress beyond 2030 will depend heavily on policy support, technological advancement, and market conditions. Ensuring the competitiveness of low-carbon steel production remains a key challenge for the next phase of the transition.