Ceit starts the strategy to sustainable steel

It leads the Nano-S-Mart project to transform the production of martensitic steels using low-emission manufacturing methods

The Ceit technology center has set course toward sustainable steel by taking the lead in the European Nano-S-Mart project, with the goal of transforming the production of martensitic steels through low CO₂ emission systems. In doing so, it aims to provide the European steel industry with sustainable solutions, as it currently finds itself caught between harsh market conditions and the pressing need to combat climate change. The steel industry is responsible for 5.7% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union, about 2.2 tons of CO₂ per ton of crude steel produced, according to data from the World Steel Association.

In response to this challenge, Nano-S-Mart addresses considerations at the macro, micro, and nanometric scales, encompassing the entire steel production process. Between now and 2028, the project will analyze and redesign quenched and tempered martensitic steels, key alloys used in sectors such as automotive, construction, and defense. The consortium takes an approach that ranges from the macro level down to the nanostructure of the material. The objective is to develop technical guidelines to ensure that these types of steels are compatible with cleaner, more sustainable production methods. All this work is aimed at validating the innovations in real industrial environments.

Ceit’s role

As project coordinator, Ceit is leading research on the relationship between processing parameters and the final properties of martensitic steels—a crucial aspect for developing optimal processing windows for these products. At the same time, Ceit is responsible for conducting a life cycle analysis of the production processes to assess CO₂ emission reductions and ensure the sustainability of the new techniques.

In addition to Ceit, the Nano-S-Mart consortium brings together prominent European partners who contribute expertise in key areas, including Ocas NV, Ghent University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the Max Planck Institute for Iron Research (MPIE). With this combined knowledge, the project addresses the technical challenges posed by the intensive use of recycled scrap and contributes to the transition toward a circular and sustainable economy in Europe.