TSM specialises in painting steel, a process that releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the drying phase. To prevent these VOCs from entering the atmosphere, they are currently incinerated at high temperatures using natural gas, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions. The new RTO system, powered by electricity, will not only eliminate the need for fossil fuels but also enhance energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Jens Lauber, Managing Director of Tata Steel Colors, emphasises the strategic importance of this transition: “Together with Tata Steel Nederland, we are committed to producing greener, cleaner, and more circular steel. Our goal for Tata Steel Maubeuge is to become carbon-neutral by 2030, contributing to Tata Steel Nederland’s broader sustainability journey.” Installation of the RTO is already underway, with key components arriving since July and currently assembled. One of the most visible changes for the neighborhood will be the new 54-meter tall chimney.

The innovation with RTO required substantial financial investment. To accelerate its implementation, Tata Steel Maubeuge secured external funding with support from Meta and the French government, under the France 2030 initiative operated by ADEME[1].

Commissioning of the RTO is scheduled for December 2025, with full operational status expected by January 2026.

[1] Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie

Every day, we work towards cleaner and greener steel. With innovative solutions and our Green Steel plan, we aim to reduce CO₂-emissions by 5 million tons per year from 2030, by transitioning to Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) technology and electric furnaces. This transition contributes to the European climate goals and strengthens our competitive position. In addition, we aim to increase the use of scrap in our production processes to 30% by 2030, contributing to a more sustainable use of resources and a reduction of our ecological footprint.

The comprehensive report lays bare the environmental and health implications of Tata’s plans to overhaul its steel production at the IJmuiden site. The new steel plant, which will operate using natural gas and green electricity instead of coal, is expected to slash CO₂ emissions by 5 million tonnes. With future integration of hydrogen, bio-methane, and underground carbon storage (CCS), the reductions could go even further – making this the largest single-company CO₂ cut in the Netherlands. 

Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel Nederland, said: “Our Green Steel plan, developed in close collaboration with trade unions and fully backed by our parent company in India, represents an unprecedented shift – not just for us, but for the entire region. We are moving away from coal, and towards a cleaner, greener future.” 

Jeroen Klumper, Director of the Green Steel Business Transformation, added: “Preparations are already in full swing. The blueprints are ready, we know where the new plants will be built, and we’ve detailed the environmental benefits in the EIA – from reduced nitrogen emissions to a significant drop in odour pollution. We have chosen to publish the EIA ourselves in the interest of transparency. We believe it is important for the local community to understand what our Green Steel plan entails. We’re going beyond legal requirements, using cutting-edge solutions to ensure our site remains future proof for decades to come.” 

Covering ore fields 
In a direct response to findings by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM), Tata Steel will start to cover its ore fields – a move expected to drastically reduce the spread of fine dust in the direct environment. The covering of the ore storage areas is not part of the EIA. It is at the top of the list of additional measures being discussed as part of the Tailor Made Agreement ('Maatwerk-afspraak'). Other measures include, for example, reducing noise pollution and covering the conveyor belts. 

Full support for health impact assessment
In line with earlier recommendations from the IJmond Health Expert Group, Tata Steel is also supporting the creation of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). This will translate environmental data from the EIA into tangible health outcomes for the surrounding communities – a move the company fully endorses.

Public information sessions
Tata Steel will host two public information sessions on 8 and 9 July, 2025 (see links below), with representatives from the Province of North Holland and the North Sea Canal Environmental Agency in attendance. Two additional sessions will be organized after the summer holidays.

Physical meeting 8 juli | Café De Zon | Wijk aan Zee.  
Digital meeting 9 juli | Teams

Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel Nederland, says: "Membership of LESS is a logical step for us in the decarbonisation of our company and contributes to the sustainability of the European steel sector. We support the objectives of LESS and the development of independent standards. This standardisation helps customers, policymakers, and the rest of the value chain to build confidence in sustainable steel products." 

On the way to a smaller ecological footprint

Whether it's wind turbines, batteries, cars, washing machines, food packaging or infrastructure, our daily lives rely on steel. This is precisely why the steel industry, and consequently Tata Steel, plays a critical role in achieving EU climate goals, as steel accounts for more than 5% of European CO₂-emissions. With CO₂-neutral steel, a significant impact can be achieved in reducing our collective ecological footprint.

With participation in LESS, we can provide our customers with steel according to a clear, transparent standard and demonstrate the sustainability of our product, also to the policymakers. Purchasers of steel products can in turn achieve their own sustainability goals and strengthen their position in a sustainability-focused market.

With the increasing relevance of sustainability, having a clear and certifiable standard for low-CO₂ steel is becoming increasingly important. This allows consumers and markets to actually determine the contribution a product makes to the sustainability transition.

Every day, we work towards cleaner and greener steel. With innovative solutions and our Green Steel plan, we aim to reduce CO₂-emissions by 5 million tons per year from 2030, by transitioning to Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) technology and electric furnaces. This transition contributes to the European climate goals and strengthens our competitive position. In addition, we aim to increase the use of scrap in our production processes to 30% by 2030, contributing to a more sustainable use of resources and a reduction of our ecological footprint.