Future Steel Forum

The 8th Future Steel Forum 2026 will take place in Bologna. Join the two-day in-person conference and tabletop exhibition to experience senior-level discussions with other participants and case-driven presentations. More than 200 specialists will explore key industry topics based on decarbonization and digital manufacturing, including AI applications in the metals industry.

For further information about the event and for registration, please visit the official event website.

Primetals Technologies is excited to participate in this year’s event, bringing expert insights into the steelmaking industry. Our team will share the latest advancements and key topics during the following sessions:

Session 1

“How can European research programmes contribute to emissions reduction and monitoring?” 

Speaker:  Dr. Alexander Fleischanderl 
When:  Wednesday, June 03, 2:40 p.m. (UTC+1) 

The following insights will be shared during this session: 

This session will address how collaborative research and development (R&D) can accelerate decarbonization in the metals industry. 

Session 2

"Hy4Smelt: Pioneering hydrogen-based CO2-neutral steelmaking for a sustainable and circular industry"

Speaker: Dr. Alexander Fleischanderl
When: Wednesday, June 03, 4:30 p.m. (UTC+1)

The following insights will be shared during this session:

The Hy4Smelt industrial-scale demonstrator is the world's first for processing ultra-fine iron ores. It uses an innovative fluidized bed direct reduction with 100% green hydrogen (HYFOR) and melts the direct reduced iron in a renewable-powered electric furnace (smelter). This technology supports the green transition of the steel industry. Additionally, we will discuss the digitalization solutions, including a Central Operation Cockpit (COC), that are being installed at the plant, which is currently under construction at voestalpine in Linz, Austria. Finally, we will share insights on how to successfully fund such projects.

Session 3

"Humans, machines and the digital steel plant: Disruption, interaction, and innovation"

Moderator: Kurt Herzog
Speaker: Dr. Alexander Thekale
When: Thursday, June 04, 11:10 a.m. (UTC+1)

The following insights will be shared during this session:

Steel production stands at the crossroads of two great transformations: the shift towards greener, decarbonized operations and the rise of digitalization, automation, and AI. These shifts are not just about technology – they profoundly impact the people who keep our plants running. A lot of sessions at this event focus on the “what” and the “how” of digital transformation or green steel projects, often from a technical angle. This panel takes a different, yet complementary, approach. We’ll focus on the “human factor”: the impact of these changes on plant operators, engineers, and everyone shaping the future of steel production – exploring challenges, solutions, and the new opportunities created when humans and technology work side by side.

Session 4

“Decarbonization and digitalization: How are we doing?” 

Speaker: Dr. Alexander Fleischanderl 
When: Thursday, June 04, 12:25 p.m. (UTC+1) 

The following questions will be addressed during this session: 

• What progress has the metals industry already made in its efforts to digitalize and decarbonize production processes?
• What are the remaining challenges? What will the future look like? 

FlyOn Hotel & Conference Center

Address:
Via dell'Aeroporto, 34/36
40132 Bologna, BO
ITALY

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